Search for two crocodiles on loose

KHON KAEN: A search was underway for two crocodiles that escaped from a farm during the flooding in Muang district of this northeastern province.

Samrong Montri, kamnan of tambon Nong Tum in Muang district, led local residents to capture a crocodile, measuring more than three metres long, along a canal in Nong Tum village Moo 2 around 4.30pm on Tuesday. It was the second reptile that was captured after the first one was found under a makeshift shelter at a paddy field 3 days ago.

Both were among four crocodiles, aged about a year, that broke loose from the same farm, said Mr Samrong. The search continued for the two remaining crocs. 

Local officials and residents jointly moved eight crocodiles from the flood-hit farm to a safer place.

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After the two crocodiles were captured, Somwang Nakthat, head of Nong Tum village, said the locals alerted Mr Samrong for fear they might be more crocodiles on the loose. They kamnan coordinated with farmers in the area and later learned that four crocodiles were missing from one farm, said Mr Somwang.

Khon Kaen governor Kraisorn Kongchalard on Tuesday warned residents in tambon Nong Tum to take extra caution as a search was underway for the two remaining crocs.