Crocodile Alert As Reptiles Escape Illegal Farms In Flood Zones

[george]

Crocodile alert as reptiles escape illegal farms in flood zones

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Department of Fisheries Sunday warned that crocodiles bred in illegal reptile farms have been escaping from their confinement due to the floods encompassing much of the central provinces, and that the animals --unused to a natural environment -- may look for food in all the wrong places.

An undetermined number of crocodile farms, both legal and illegal, are located in the flood-ravaged central provinces, which have been battered by severe floods this year.

The escaped reptiles are likely to approach humans because they are used to being fed by farm raisers, according to Fisheries Department director-general Charanthada Kannasut.

The director-general suggested that villagers not walk or travel by boat in flooded areas at night in order to avoid from being attacked by hungry crocodiles.

The difficulty in seeing crocodiles, though, is that their nose and eyes are visible only slightly above water, he said. At night they might not be noticed at all.

Members of the public who see crocodiles at large should inform the authorities immediately, Mr. Charanthada advised.

Crocodiles raised by legal farms have been moved to safe areas from the floods which are now ravaging several of Thailand's central provinces but the public, especially residents living near waterways, should be on alert for crocodiles that have escaped from illegal reptile farms, Mr. Charanthada said.

Mr. Charanthada said that crocodiles from legal farms have been relocated and are now being kept in safe areas. Meanwhile, he warned, an undetermined number of crocodiles from unregistered crocodile farms have escaped from inundated farms and are still roaming free in canals and rivers.

--TNA 2006-10-23

[The Skipper]

Saw somthing in my garden, about a meter long, looked like a Monitor Lizard, not sure.

[george]

Warning to flood victims: Beware of crocodiles on the loose

BANGKOK: -- Residents in floodhit areas have been warned to watch out for hungry crocodiles escaped from unregistered farms.

The Fisheries Department worries that crocodiles bred at unregistered reptile hatcheries have been washed out of their enclosures by floodwaters.

Because they are not used to the "wild", the crocodiles might be hungry and in search of food in "all the wrong places", it said Sunday.

Floods have affected many of the Central provinces and the department said an "undetermined number" of both registered and unregistered crocodile farms were located in these areas.

Department director general Charanthada Kannasut added that the crocodiles would approach humans because they are used to being fed by keepers.

He advised residents to avoid walking or travelling by boat in flooded areas at night, when crocodiles are especially difficult to spot.

People have been asked to report any crocodile sightings to the department or local authorities immediately.

The department said licensed farms had relocated their stock to safe areas, but there was a risk crocodiles had escaped from unregistered farms and were living in flooded canals and rivers.

-- The Nation 2006-10-23

[sabai-dee-man]

Warning to flood victims: Beware of crocodiles on the loose

He advised residents to avoid walking or travelling by boat in flooded areas at night, when crocodiles are especially difficult to spot.

People have been asked to report any crocodile sightings to the department or local authorities immediately.

I think the crocodiles probably have more to fear from the hungry humans! Haven't you ever noticed the complete lack of wildlife in LOS?!

Edited October 23, 2006 by sabai-dee-man

[Riverside]

Warning to flood victims: Beware of crocodiles on the loose

He advised residents to avoid walking or travelling by boat in flooded areas at night, when crocodiles are especially difficult to spot.

People have been asked to report any crocodile sightings to the department or local authorities immediately.

I think the crocodiles probably have more to fear from the hungry humans! Haven't you ever noticed the complete lack of wildlife in LOS?!

Back in the middle 90's there was a big flood around Samut Prakan. Over the few days the stray dog population deminished rapidly.

[bob/nyc]

I just saw one coming down Sukhumvit. Think he was out looking for the local Top's Marketplace.

[deminister]

I think the crocodiles probably have more to fear from the hungry humans! Haven't you ever noticed the complete lack of wildlife in LOS?!

Indeed even a cockroach is not safe in Thailand, and will be consumed. I never ever saw even one single Duck in the wild, so the crocodiles will be hungry. Maybe they can get even.

[StevenCalifornia]

Im not afraid of no stinking crocodiles, its the snakes that kill you in three seconds that I worry about. crocodile I can kick their butts but snakes are sneaky and snakey ! like some women i known lol... the worst bite i ever recieved was from a woman scorned, thats what scare me

[Virgil]

Oh Lord,

The Streets Of Bangkok:

- Ladyboys

- Thieves

- Pick-pockets

- Con artists

- Loan sharks

... now Crocodiles !!!

What next? Politicians??

Virgil, Out!

[mitrapaap]

The topic seems to be quite new, so there is still some hope of getting some value adding comments on it.

For those who haven't seen any ducks in free nature and other animals, I would suggest they go at least to the border of the city if it's not too much asked. Thailand has plenty of animals. Some of them nice to see, some others I'd wished to see them at a bit more distance - various kinds of snakes. Two in the house, a few others around it. Again, just at the border of the city. And ducks "at work".

[NolaK]

Very progressive! After years of Asian Crocs being extinct in the wilds of Thailand, the new government can now announce with pride that thanks to a highly scientific breeding and release program this species has been reintroduced into it’s native habitat (on Rama 5 Drive by the Sizzler). Better still, they did it all without help from CRES (The Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species). Heck, the program may even qualify for some non-profit funding. Under Taskin the crocs would have just been lightly sautéed and served over a slab of giraffe at the Night Safari. That is progress.

[Little Black Duck]

I think the crocodiles probably have more to fear from the hungry humans! Haven't you ever noticed the complete lack of wildlife in LOS?!

Indeed even a cockroach is not safe in Thailand, and will be consumed. I never ever saw even one single Duck in the wild, so the crocodiles will be hungry. Maybe they can get even.

"Never Seen Ducks in Wild Thailand"

I live in Phuket and only yesterday riding along the road from Tesco Lotus to Kathu I saw a Wild Female Duck with a brood of about 6 ducklings on the side of the road..

[makesmoresense]

Yesterday I saw a strange sort of reptile sitting next to road, later i found out it was a crocodile who cut of his legs and tail and was begging for food. Who put him up to this?

[10LeuZ_FTAI]

Oh Lord,

The Streets Of Bangkok:

- Ladyboys

- Thieves

- Pick-pockets

- Con artists

- Loan sharks

... now Crocodiles !!!

What next? Politicians??

Virgil, Out!

uve forgotten the tanks

[makesmoresense]

Don't worry bout crocodiles, my pond full of piranhas was also takin away by the flood, so they will probably eat the crocodiles within a few seconds.

Edited October 23, 2006 by makesmoresense

[Happy Jack]

Crocodile alert as reptiles escape illegal farms in flood zones

Unconfirmed reports suggest large groups of escaped crocodiles masquerading as bar girls in Patpong area.

[fogger]

Saw somthing in my garden, about a meter long, looked like a Monitor Lizard, not sure.

[/quot

[chaiyapoon]

Saw somthing in my garden, about a meter long, looked like a Monitor Lizard, not sure.

I must admit the first time I saw a very large monitor lizard near a Bangkok lake I thought it was a croc (it was walking away from me)from behind they look similar.

[opothai]

Warning to flood victims: Beware of crocodiles on the loose

He advised residents to avoid walking or travelling by boat in flooded areas at night, when crocodiles are especially difficult to spot.

People have been asked to report any crocodile sightings to the department or local authorities immediately.

I think the crocodiles probably have more to fear from the hungry humans! Haven't you ever noticed the complete lack of wildlife in LOS?!

when it rains the wifes brothers and friends are all out at night wit flash lights frog hunting. and the catch is small for the amount of time spent,

however with crocs, well that'll feed the family for a while

just a little more difficult to catch than a frog

[Pattayatony]

Crocodile alert as reptiles escape illegal farms in flood zones

Unconfirmed reports suggest large groups of escaped crocodiles masquerading as bar girls in Patpong area.

Most of the crocs have headed down to Beach Rd Pattaya, feeding time after 7PM

[HenryB]

All of us should help and take at least 6 Thais in our Rooms. The ones with houses should take 20 Thais in. Thailand has bee good to us now is the time to help

[DIMESTOREROCK]

Where's Steve Irwin when you need him!

[Jing Joe]

Where's Steve Irwin when you need him!

Glad to see it didnt take many postings for our beloved "crikey Steeve" to be remembered.

Was waiting for that. Good on ya Dimestorerock

[booma]

Warning to flood victims: Beware of crocodiles on the loose

He advised residents to avoid walking or travelling by boat in flooded areas at night, when crocodiles are especially difficult to spot.

People have been asked to report any crocodile sightings to the department or local authorities immediately.

I think the crocodiles probably have more to fear from the hungry humans! Haven't you ever noticed the complete lack of wildlife in LOS?!

crocs eat wildlife aswell! also, there is plenty of wildlife up here!!!!!!

[fritte]

I hope the crocodiles don´t reach Jomtien Beach until December 23 when I leave!

[cobra]

Not an issue,

Eventually they'll all end up in Sukumvit shop windows as boots and hand bags,

[fritte]

Not an issue,

Eventually they'll all end up in Sukumvit shop windows as boots and hand bags,

Yeah!! Maybe I should buy a pair of croc shoes before I leave!!

[ponder]

Just as a matter of interest, why do people breed crocodiles illegally? Is there a market for their skin, meat or something?

[Asian Frog]

Careful, the crocodiles are invading offices!!!!

[chaiyapoon]

Only a few genuine Siam crocs left now, so it won't take too long for a few escaped non native crocs to go the same way particularly if in Isaan!