Facing crocodiles can be fatal to humans. Reptiles, which run up to their prey in most rivers and then attack at lightning speed, are among the most dangerous animals in the world. Apart from Australia and the USA, areas particularly affected by the attacks are also considered South Africa. Now a large outbreak of many young crocodiles is causing a stir in the western Cape Province of the country. Residents are concerned because runaway crocodiles are a rare commodity.

An unknown number of one-and-a-half-meter-long reptiles were ripped through the chain link fence of a breeding station in Bonnyvale, which is about 180 kilometers from Cape Town, said spokesman for responsible animal welfare Cape Nature, Petro van Rhein, German press agency . He urged residents to stay away from the nearby Breid River for the time being. »Apparently, they are very, very dangerous – they are wild animals, even though they were raised in captivity«The spokesman said.

Fugitive crocodiles are rather rare

Authorities have launched a large-scale search for small animals in conjunction with residents and police officers. So far 27 crocodiles have been recovered. According to officials, the animals are 1.20 to 1.50 meters long.

In South Africa, residents are always shocked by references to stray monkeys, leopards or hippos. However, fugitive crocodiles are rare.

It is also not unique that crocodiles manage to escape to South Africa. In 2015, about 15,000 samples from the Rakna farm were on the range Botswana ran away, Among others, the BBC reported. At the time, however, there was a reason for the heavy rain: the crocodile farm owner is said to have opened the doors of the breeding facility himself to prevent flooding.