TUARAN – A crocodile measuring 3.6 metres in length was successfully captured after being lured by bait set on a fishing line in the river area of Kampung Dungun on Monday.
Sabah Wildlife Department Director Roland Oliver Niun confirmed the capture, which took place at 11am after the reptile took the chicken bait placed on the fishing line.
"The line was set up after we received complaints from residents about the presence of a crocodile in the area.
"The Wildlife Department then installed a crocodile fishing line using chicken bait at the location," he told Sinar on Monday.
He added that the operation successfully captured the crocodile, as anticipated by the villagers.
"Wildlife Department personnel initially attempted to shoot the animal, but the operation was halted for safety reasons as the crocodile became aggressive.
"The crocodile was later safely captured for further action," he added.
Earlier, two viral videos lasting 37 and 22 seconds showed the crocodile being loaded into a four-wheel drive vehicle, believed to have been taken from a river in Tuaran.