Officials tee up hunt for wayward crocodile at Phuket golf course
Officials in Phuket are stepping up efforts to capture a crocodile spotted at Mission Hills Golf Course. The sighting on July 31 prompted an urgent response from local authorities and specialist crocodile capture teams. It seems the croc is making a real ‘swing’ at disrupting the course, and officials are keen to ‘par’ the situation before it escalates.
Nikhom Suksawat, an official from Panya Farm Co Ltd Crocodile Capture Training and Academic Centre in Nakhon Pathom, is leading the operation. Last night, officials from multiple agencies, including the Phuket Provincial Fisheries and Pa Khlok Municipality, gathered at the water source where the crocodile was seen.
The reptile was intermittently visible, floating in the middle of the water with its eyes reflecting the light from officials’ flashlights. The operation began around 7.10pm and continued for two hours until a significant development altered their course of action.
Initial assessments identified the crocodile as a freshwater species. However, closer inspection revealed it to be a saltwater crocodile, approximately 1.5 metres in length. This identification led to a change in strategy, as saltwater crocodiles typically do not come ashore, said Nikhom,
“The revised plan involved chasing and attempting to net the crocodile throughout the night.”
As of this morning, the search continues, with officials using nets to try and capture the crocodile, which has been seen surfacing at various times.
The operation aims to ensure the safety of the local community and the golf course’s patrons. The officials remain determined to capture the reptile and prevent any potential danger, reported The Phuket News.
In related news, a 2-metre long crocodile weighing 30 kilogrammes sent villagers in Huay Yai Village, East Pattaya into panic as it casually sunbathed by Taklom Fishing Pond on February 4.
Locals and news crews flocked to capture the unexpected visitor on video, showcasing the reptile’s playful antics and remarkable evasive skills during capture attempts.
The owner of Taklom Fishing Pond, 56 year old Kan Jantaravichian revealed that this wasn’t the first crocodile sighting in the area, with a similar incident causing concern just a year ago. The elusive reptile, suspected to have escaped from a nearby farm, remained unclaimed.
