After the storm, at least 69 adult crocodiles and 6 baby crocodiles raised on a farm in Maoming City escaped.
Local media explained that recent flooding caused a local lake to overflow, leading to flooding. This gave the crocodiles an opportunity to escape.
According to Hai Bao News , a Shandong-based newspaper, crocodiles are lurking near Lu Bong village. Local authorities have warned residents to stay indoors.
Emergency crews were deployed to capture the missing crocodiles using sonar, but the search was hampered by deep water, the Beijing News reported.
A team of animal experts is working on the hunt, but a member of the emergency services said they may have to euthanize the crocodiles rather than recapture them.
Maoming City authorities are searching for more than 70 crocodiles that escaped after floods. Photo: UDN
A video circulating on Chinese social media shows several crocodiles hiding behind a sign on a completely flooded road. Emergency workers wearing helmets and jackets sit in a boat searching for the crocodiles.
Some footage also shows several crocodiles being caught and brought back to shore. Many curious locals came to watch.
Local authorities have warned residents to stay indoors. Photo: Singtao
Local media said Chinese alligators are quite shy and do not attack humans unless frightened or provoked.
The Chinese alligator, also known as the Yangtze River alligator, is a native species that can grow to over 2 metres in length and has a history of attacks on humans. Guangdong province is famous for its many alligator farms due to its warm climate.
In China, crocodile skin and meat are prized for their medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine. Crocodile farms also serve tourism . In recent decades, crocodile numbers have plummeted due to pollution and illegal hunting.
Typhoon Haikui has weakened since making landfall in Fujian province on September 5, but its circulation continues to wreak havoc in southern China, causing flooding in several cities.
Source
Comment (0)