Croc on the loose prey on village dogs, cattle

• The crocodile had been caught in a trap laid by the villagers who handed it over to the wildlife veterinary unit in Nikaweratiya 
• Several children bathing in Radavibendiela canal flowing through the village had a narrow escape from the crocodile

By Hiran Priiyanakara Jayasinghe   

A 12 feet long crocodile roaming into the Rajavigama village in Karuwalagaswewa at night and preying on dogs and cattle had been caught in a trap laid by the villagers who handed it over to the wildlife veterinary unit in Nikaweratiya on Wednesday evening (22).   

Villagers said they were living in constant fear of any possible danger to their life from the crocodile frequenting near houses at night to prey on domestic animals including dogs and calves. They said several children bathing in Radavibendiela canal flowing through the village had a narrow escape from the crocodile.   

They said their several attempts to capture the marauding crocodile had failed until it was caught in a trap laid by a villager.   

Wildlife conservators said a hook in the trap had caused injuries to the crocodile and that it would be taken to Nikaweratiya wildlife veterinary unit to provide treatment.