Giant crocodile has a mate and it could be the one creating problems. And there could be a clan!

The giant crocodile that was captured alive in Agusan del Sur on Sunday is believed to have eaten a carabao and a fisherman.

An expert told GMA’s “24 Oras” that the destruction of their natural habitats force these reptiles to attack human beings.

And the scary thing is that, the giant male saltwater crocodile that is now in captivity could possible have an even larger mate, a female giant crocodile which is out in the wild!

Earlier this year, several crocodile attacks were reported not just in Agusan del Sur where the giant crocodile was caught but also in Palawan. The main reason for such attacks is that people have built settlements along damaging the reptiles’ natural habitat.

In an interview by 24 Oras, Davao Crocodile Farm Senior Naturalist Ver Pedo said these giant crocodiles have no choice but to eat humans who invaded their territories.

“‘Pag naubusan po ng pagkain sa wild, sa kanilang natural habitat mismo, wala po silang choice kundi ang available po na pagkain – ‘yung mga nakatirang mga tao po doon,” he said.

The 6.4 meter giant crocodile which was caught in Barangay Nueva Era in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, was being suspected of having attacked several people but local officials believe that he’s not alone. Villagers and crocodile farm hunters are on their hunt for a possibly larger one.

“There is a bigger one, and it could be the one creating problems,” wildlife official Ronnie Sumiller told The Associated Press

“The villagers were saying 10 percent of their fear was gone because of the first capture,” Sumiller said. “But there is still the other 90 percent to take care of.”

The effort to capture the giant crocodile has intensified after several residents have reportedly gone missing for months now. There were also reports from some residents witnessing the crocodile preying on their water buffaloes (carabaos).

It took about 100 men to pull the huge saltwater male crocodile from the creek and according to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, it was the largest crocodile caught in the Philippines to date. It also trumps in size the largest captive crocodile in Guinness World Records, which measures 18 feet.

But this record could be shattered shortly as its female counterpart is believed to be larger and could easily become the biggest crocodile in the world.

UPDATE: During a DZMM interview this morning, September 7, Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde confirmed the presence of a second giant crocodile with anchor Ted Failon.

He said crocodile experts partnered with local residents in setting up traps for other giant crocodiles that could be lurking somewhere in the area.

The Mayor also confirmed the plan of setting up a theme park for visiting tourists that will highlight the giant crocodile(s). He added that they are now coordinating with the local crocodile farm staff for some knowledge on how to feed and maintain these giant crocodiles.

Images courtesy of Associated Press

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