The Director of the Veterinary Directorate in Sharqiya Governorate, Nile Delta, Mohamed Bashar revealed an unexpected detail regarding the incident of crocodile appearing in a drainage ditch at the village of Zawamel, Belbeis district.
He confirmed that the field committee did not find just one crocodile, as had been reported, but rather observed several crocodiles moving in the water.
Bashar explained during a phone interview with Al-Hadath Al-Youm channel on Friday that the operations room had received several reports from residents over the past two days about a small crocodile appearing on the drainage’s bank and then quickly returning to the water.
This prompted the formation of a large emergency committee from the relevant authorities.
He added that the committee members observed several small crocodiles, reassuring residents that these reptiles were not capable of causing significant harm, as they are young and would flee at the slightest movement or noise.
As to why no crocodiles had been captured yet, the director of veterinary medicine explained that the wide and deep drainage made it easy for them to escape into the water.
He added that specialized wildlife teams were en route to the site equipped with the necessary tools to capture the animals.
Bashar indicated that the committee is continuing its work at the site, maintaining full control of the area and installing nets between two bridges to contain the crocodiles and prevent them from moving to other areas.
He assured that “The situation is under control, and there is no danger as long as citizens refrain from approaching the water or attempting to handle the crocodiles themselves. Only specialized teams are responsible for capturing them and securing the area.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
