Giant croc captured in Agusan Sur creek

MONSTER CROC In this photo taken on Sunday, Mayor Cox Elorde of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur province, shows how huge was the 1,075-kg crocodile captured by residents and crocodile farm staff along a creek late Saturday. The 6.4-meter (21-foot) male crocodile is bigger than the 5.5 meter saltwater crocodile in Cairns, Australia, that the Guinness Book of Records says is the biggest captive crocodile in the world. AP

Villagers and experts have captured a one-ton saltwater crocodile which they plan to make the star of a planned ecotourism park in Agusan del Sur province.

The male crocodile was described in an Associated Press report as 6.4 meters (21 feet) long which, if confirmed, would make it bigger than the 5.5-meter saltwater crocodile in Cairns, Australia.

The Australian crocodile has been cited by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest captive crocodile in the world.

Mayor Cox Elorde on Monday said that dozens of villagers and experts ensnared the crocodile along a creek in Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur, after a three-week hunt. It was captured by villagers using a trap.

Elorde said the crocodile killed a carabao in an attack witnessed by villagers last month and is also suspected of having attacked a fisherman who went missing in July.

Elorde said putting the huge crocodile in a tourism park would turn it “from a threat into an asset.”

The Australian crococile, named Cassius, is believed to be at least 100 years old. Reports from AP and Inquirer Research