A large and “savvy” crocodile which snatched a pet dog just metres away from two children has outwitted a team of Australian hunters, a report said on Tuesday.
The 3,5-metre saltwater crocodile remains at large in northern Western Australia despite the best efforts of professional shooters, public broadcaster ABC said on its website.
“They’ve spent a couple of nights up there spotlighting, doing day things as well, but mainly trying to work at night,” said Kingsley Miller from the Department of Environment and Conservation.
“It’s a pretty savvy animal. They’ve sighted it but every time they see it, it basically disappears.”
Miller said the hunters would now change tack and try to trap the animal and take it to a crocodile park.
“What we’re doing now is we’ll get the trap in using four-wheel drives, motorbikes, a small trailer and do it slowly,” he said.
“We’ve got a boat up there as well. It’s going to take a while to get it in, and it’s not going to be an easy job.”
The hunt for the crocodile was launched after it terrified the children by taking their dog as they played at a popular swimming spot in the Kimberley region. — AFP