Israel Faces Man Eating Crocs

Link : http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91059-13235270,00.html

Hundreds of man-eating crocodiles could be hunting prey in Israel's waterways in the next few years, experts have warned.

Thieves have stolen dozens of crocodile eggs and sold them to unsuspecting animal lovers.


The African crocs can reach seven metres (23ft) when fully grown and can rip off a man's arm when just a few years old.

Wildlife experts fear the human-devouring beasts will be released into the wild by their owners when they outgrow the family fishpond.

"It is a race against time," said Amnon Nachmias, a spokesman for the Nature and Parks Authority.

"These crocodiles grow to a size that is dangerous to a man within three years. After a year they can bite off a hand."

So far wildlife officials and police have found 10 crocodiles in raids on apartments in central Israel where the baby reptiles were found swimming in bathtubs and sinks.

"The concern is they will enter fresh water lakes and rivers where they will be a threat to people and to the environment," Mr Nachmias said.

Crocodiles were introduced to the Holy Land about 2,000 years ago by the Romans who imported them for gladiator fights, Nachmias said.