Chinese expert takes the plunge, swims after Hong Kong's stray crocodile
( 2003-12-08 13:52) (Xinhua)
A mainland Chinese crocodile hunter jumped into a murky creek and swam after
a stray croc that has eluded capture for more than a month, but he came away
empty-handed.
Croc expert He Zhanzhao swam after his prey on Sunday afternoon following a
reported sighting of the 1.2-meter (4-foot) reptile, but the croc was nowhere to
be found, said spokeswoman Viola Kwan of the Agriculture, Fisheries and
Conservation Department.
The croc has become something of a local celebrity after being spotted in a
polluted suburban creek on Nov. 2.
Hong Kong conservation officers were unable to capture it with tranquilizer
guns and traps baited with chicken, then an Australian croc hunter, John Lever,
tried but failed with harpoons and traps.
A mainland team from nearby Guangdong province took up the hunt after Lever
conceded defeat. The Chinese have set up a base camp on one side of the creek
and are keeping watch round-the-clock.
Hong Kong has no native crocodile species, and it remains unclear where this
one came from.
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