TAWAU: Long-standing concerns among villagers over a large saltwater crocodile frequently sighted in Sungai Merotai ended after the reptile was found dead on Wednesday.
The male crocodile, measuring 15.8 feet, was discovered stranded near a residential area in Kampung Pangkalan Asli Merotai Besar, close to the riverbank.
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Village chief Mohamad Fakir said the crocodile was found by villagers at about 7.30am before the matter was reported to the Tawau Wildlife Department for follow-up action.
He said the crocodile had been tracked for some time due to safety concerns, had taken fishing bait set as a trap on Monday, and was later shot by Wildlife Department enforcement officers after repeatedly hiding beneath logs along the river.
He said six Wildlife Department officers, assisted by 11 villagers including anglers, later retrieved the carcass as the river level receded, with further action handed over to the department, adding that villagers were advised to remain cautious as other crocodiles were still believed to be in the area.
