In the first half of 2020, four crocodile attacks were reported in Handil Sohor village, commander of the agency's Sampit Post, Muriansyah, revealed. Two victims survived the attacks, while two others sustained injuries.
On September 27, 2020, two more crocodile attacks took place in the estuary of Lampuyang village's river. Two locals survived the attacks, though they sustained injuries, Muriansyah told ANTARA here on Wednesday.
The locals were attacked while they were hunting for oysters in the river, he said, adding that another local resident was also snatched by a crocodile in the same river on October 25, 2020.
The victim suffered wounds on arms and legs, Muriansyah informed.
In December, 2020, two more crocodile attacks were reported in the district. The attacks left two people injured, he said.
On December 17, 2020, an alligator snatched a resident of Bagendang Hulu village who was bathing in the river at night. On December 30, 2020, a child from Ganepo village in Seranau subdistrict was also attacked by a crocodile while bathing in the Hambawang River in the morning, he informed.
Muriansyah said the crocodile attacks may be related to the scarcity of food sources in their natural habitat around the district's forests.
Alligators may also be hunting for food in the rivers because locals like throwing garbage, particularly spoiled meat of chickens and rats, into the river, he added.
Crocodiles are even approaching cages built for cattle near the river, he continued.
To protect locals, BKSDA officials have been trying to catch alligators by using chicken and duck meat as baits.
The authority has also installed notice boards in several vulnerable places to warn locals and urge them to be aware of the natural habits of crocodiles, Muriansyah said.
Crocodiles are visible during their mating and spawning season in January, February, and March as well as October, November, and December, he added. During this period of time, these reptiles are usually more aggressive, he said. (INE)
Related news: Stop throwing spoiled meat in river to curb crocodile attacks: BKSDA
Related news: Elderly woman loses arm in crocodile attack in Central Kalimantan
Related news: Minister asks people not to shoot crocodile roaming at pier
EDITED BY INE
Reporter: Norjani, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
