Authorities in a city in southern China have launched an operation to recapture more than 70 crocodiles that escaped from a farm after heavy rains caused flooding in the region. The information was confirmed by state media.
The toothy reptiles were on a crocodile farm in Maoming, in the southern province of Guangdong, but a local lake overflowed and allowed the animals to escape. Some residents were warned to stay at home.
Guangdong is a popular location for crocodile farms due to its relatively warmer climate. Southern China and Hong Kong were hit by torrential rain after Typhoon Haikui hit the region last week.
At least 69 adult crocodiles and six juveniles were lurking at a spot near Peng Cun village, Shandong-based Hai Bao News channel reported. The media outlet said it contacted local authorities who warned residents not to venture out.
An emergency force was dispatched to capture the missing crocodiles using sonar detection equipment, according to The Beijing News.
But the depth of the flood waters posed an immense challenge to the operation, he added, prompting authorities to appeal to residents not to leave their homes.
A member of the emergency squad told Nanfeng Plus that it may be necessary to euthanize the crocodiles instead of capturing them.
Images circulating on Chinese social media show some of the crocodiles hiding behind a road sign near what appeared to be a completely submerged road.
Members of the emergency force dressed in helmets and high-visibility vests could be seen on boats searching for the reptiles.
Other images show several crocodiles being captured and brought back to land, with their mouths and limbs tied to restrict their movements, while a handful of curious locals watch from the shore.
In China, crocodiles are prized for their skin and their meat is believed to have medicinal value in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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Source: CNN Brasil
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