SFC: Beware of aggressive crocodiles during mating season

KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has issued a warning to residents, urging them to exercise caution due to the heightened aggression of crocodiles during the mating season, typically occurring from November to March, the rainy season.

SFC’s Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) executive Dr Mohd Izwan Zulaini issued this caution following a tragic incident in Sungai Samariang, where a 15-year-old teenager lost his life to a crocodile attack while engaged in fishing activities.

The SFC highlighted the need for increased precautions and vigilance as crocodiles are attracted to land and residential areas during the mating season.

“Male crocodiles, asserting dominance and marking territories, often engage in frequent fights during this period.

“During the mating season, crocodiles might perceive other animals, including humans, as competitors or threats,” he told the media here on Thursday (Dec 28).

Residents were also urged to be on high alert for crocodile nests and eggs, which serve as indicators of nearby crocodile activity.

Mohd Izwan stressed that these nests could be found up to 100m from the river, sometimes even more than 1km away.

He highlighted the importance of public awareness, urging people to report any sightings of crocodiles promptly. The SFC has observed an increase in crocodile activity throughout Sarawak during the current rainy season, which is expected to continue until March next year.

A total of 28 crocodile attack cases were recorded in Sarawak from August 2018 to October 2023.

According to Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak director Datuk Khirudin Drahman, 2021 witnessed the highest number of cases, with nine victims. Subsequent years saw a decrease, with four cases in 2022 and three cases in 2023.

Notably, this year’s incidents include a case in Kampung Boom, Oya, Mukah, involving a 58-year-old fisherman attacked while fishing for prawns in May. Another case occurred in Sungai Skrang, Rumah Baloi Skim Skrang, Betong, where a farmer was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile in August.

The most recent incident, which happened in Kuching, involved a 15-year-old teenager whose body was found incomplete on Dec 24.

Since the implementation of the Wildlife Ordinance in 1990, the SFC has identified over 45 rivers in Sarawak as crocodile dens.