MENUMBOK: A 15-foot long crocodile escaped from a hook trap set by the Sabah Wildlife Department at Sungai Lambidan on Thursday.
Village Development and Security Committee Chairman Ghaffar Ahmad @ Abd Rahman said the hook was found bent after the crocodile managed to free itself.
He said the department had since reinstalled the trap with a stronger hook to catch the reptile.
“The fact that a hook of that size could bend shows the crocodile is big and powerful,” he said.
Ghaffar said several other large crocodiles were still believed to be in Sungai Lambidan, raising concerns among villagers, particularly fishermen who depend on the river and sea for their livelihood.
“There are several larger crocodiles in the river, which continue to pose a threat to residents.
They need to be extra careful,” he said. Ghaffar urged fishermen, anglers and children to remain vigilant whenever they are near the river, including when travelling by boat.
He recalled that a villager was previously attacked by a crocodile but managed to escape after struggling with the reptile and striking its mouth.
Ghaffar said a warning sign would also be erected near the river to alert residents and visitors about the presence of crocodiles. The department is currently installing several traps to capture the reptiles and ease villagers’ concerns about their safety.
