The destruction of their natural habitats leads crocodiles to attack human beings, an expert told GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast Tuesday, citing the giant saltwater crocodile caught in Agusan del Sur on Sunday.
In Agusan del Sur and Palawan, where crocodile attacks also took place earlier this year, humans have built settlements along and have even damaged the reptiles’ territories, the newscast noted.
“‘Pag naubusan po ng pagkain sa wild, sa kanilang natural habitat mismo, wala po silang choice kundi ang available po na pagkain – ‘yung mga nakatirang mga tao po doon," said Davao Crocodile Farm senior naturalist Ver Pedo in an interview aired on “24 Oras."
A 21-foot, 600-kilogram saltwater crocodile suspected of having attacked several people was caught in Barangay Nueva Era in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, local officials said Monday.
The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center said it is the largest crocodile caught in the Philippines to date. It also trumps in size the largest captive crocodile in Guinness World Records, which measures 18 feet.
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If left undisturbed in their natural habitats, crocodiles are unlikely to eat humans despite their carnivorous nature, Pedo said. “Ang mga crocodiles, nanghahabol lang po sila ‘pag pino-provoke po sila, kapag pinapasok na po natin ang kanilang teritoryo," he explained.
Pedo added that crocodiles turn extra aggressive during their breeding season from April to September.
Mate still on the loose
The capture of the 21-foot crocodile has prompted Agusan del Sur officials to take on an aggressive stance in hunting for more crocodiles in the province’s marshes, GMA News’ “Unang Balita" newscast said Tuesday.
Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said local officials are implementing “entrapment operations" with the belief that more crocodiles inhabit the Agusan Marsh.
Local officials are especially on the lookout for the mate of the giant crocodile that is still on the loose, “24 Oras" reported.
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The crocodile’s mate is touted to be larger than the captured reptile, the newscast said.
The giant reptile has attracted national and international attention, having been featured in a number of global news outlets and topping discussions in social media.
The keyword “Agusan del Sur," for example, the place where the giant crocodile was caught, was the eighth trending or most discussed topic on Twitter as of this posting.
Preventing croc attacks
Crocodile attacks take place not only in the Philippines.
Primarily discussing similar incidents in Australia, a paper published in the journal "Wilderness and Environmental Medicine" enumerates tips on how to avoid or deal with crocodile attacks.
The paper suggests “minimizing contact between humans and crocodilians."
“The unanimous advice for defending oneself against an attack appears to be to fight back," it adds. “Survivors in Malawi and Australia all attribute their successful escapes to vigorously resisting the attack. Gouging the crocodilian's eyes appears to be an effective action."
“It has been suggested that if your hand is trapped in the mouth of the crocodile, reaching in to displace the palatal valve and cause the crocodile to aspirate water is effective. This has resulted in success in at least one case reviewed," the paper says.
It also advises the public to contact local wildlife authorities for relevant information if venturing into areas likely prone to crocodiles. — VS
