Carcasses and waste attract crocodile to Malaysian beach

The appearance of a crocodile, estimated to be about 1.8 meters long, on Tanjung Gemok Beach in Port Dickson, Malaysia, has sparked concern among local residents and fishermen. The reptile was observed coming ashore on Tuesday evening, not aggressively, but to feed on carcasses believed to have been washed into the area.

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The reptile was not aggressive or attacking anyone. It just came ashore briefly to eat carcasses before going back into the water.

N. Prabhakaran, a 34-year-old resident, reported seeing the crocodile after being alerted by fishermen. He managed to record a video of the animal. "The reptile was not aggressive or attacking anyone. It just came ashore briefly to eat carcasses before going back into the water," Prabhakaran said. He noted this was the second time he had seen a crocodile in the area, with the first being smaller and seen late last year.

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I am worried because many people, especially children, swim there in the afternoons. Besides, the location where the crocodile emerged is also a route for fishermen to get on and off their boats. If anything happens, it is dangerous.

Prabhakaran expressed worry due to the beach's popularity with the public, especially children who swim there in the afternoons. The area where the crocodile emerged is also a pathway for fishermen accessing their boats. "I am worried because many people, especially children, swim there in the afternoon. Besides, the location where the crocodile emerged is also a route for fishermen to get on and off their boats. If anything happens, it is dangerous," he stated.

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Crocodiles look for food, and there is likely a food source in the area that caused it to come ashore.

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Negeri Sembilan director, Faizal Izham Pikri, stated that no traps have been set yet as no crocodile was sighted during their inspection. However, their examination revealed a dumping area containing suspected food waste or animal carcasses, which likely attracted the reptile. "Crocodiles look for food, and there is likely a food source in the area that caused it to come ashore," Faizal Izham explained. He added that their team observed the crocodile appeared to be eating chicken carcasses, not dog carcasses as initially claimed. Perhilitan will continue monitoring the location and take further action if the crocodile reappears.

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The crocodile was believed to be eating chicken carcasses and not dog carcasses as claimed.