WATCH: Conservationists search for rope-bound croc spotted in St Lucia estuary
Anybody who sees this croc is urged to report the sighting to the St Lucia Croc Centre
A RECENT sighting in the St Lucia estuary of a crocodile, which appears to have a rope tied around its mouth, has sparked much concern from animal lovers, conservationists and visitors to the town.
St Lucia visitor Ockie Mulder last week spotted the reptile on two consecutive days in the waters at the jetty adjacent to the public slipway.
Since then, other visitors have also reported sightings of the rope-bound croc.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife officials stationed in Maphelane and at the St Lucia Croc Centre have been notified, but are yet to locate the beast.
Photographic evidence suggests the rope is tied only around the crocodile’s top jaw, rather than its entire snout.
However, conservationists agree that this is not ideal and have, for the past week, been in search of the animal.
Once its whereabouts have been confirmed, a trap will be set up and, once trapped, appropriate action will be taken to remove the rope from the crocodile’s jaw.
Anybody who spots this crocodile is urged to report the sighting to the St Lucia Croc Centre on 035 5901386 or the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority’s emergency line on 082 7977944.
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