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Expert Calls Off Hong Kong Crocodile Hunt

Posted on: Saturday, 15 November 2003, 06:00 CST

An Australian crocodile hunter abandoned a second attempt to catch a loose croc in Hong Kong on Saturday after failing to harpoon the elusive reptile, which has become a media sensation.

John Lever said he got close enough to the 4-foot reptile to toss his bamboo harpoon at it - but missed. The special harpoon could capture the animal without killing it, he said.

The Australian, who's using a small boat to hunt the croc in a muddy creek, said he's lost confidence in the chicken heads he'd used to bait fishing lines Friday.

Lever said the croc, which has outwitted Hong Kong officials for almost two weeks, was not hungry enough to take the bait.

"There is so much food out there," he said, referring to fish.

Lever said lights from a nearby building were also hampering his work because they helped the crocodile see him, and that he'd begin a third day of hunting in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Before arriving in Hong Kong, the Australian was quoted as saying he'd just "walk in and grab" the croc.

Lever said earlier that the crocodile could stay under the swampy the water for up to an hour.

He spent three hours scouring the creek with a light on Friday, and managed to touch the animal's tail before it disappeared.

The crocodile hasn't injured anyone, but Lever's quest has captivated Hong Kong's mostly urban people, who are used to seeing crocs only on television. Dozens of journalists and onlookers have staked out positions on the banks of the swamp.

The reptile has even sparked a naming contest. Entries included luxury goods brand "Gucci" and "KS" - the initials of Hong Kong's richest man, Li Ka-shing.

Hong Kong has no native crocodile species. Officials believe this one may have escaped from a mainland Chinese farm or a Hong Kong owner who kept it illegally.

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