Worrying, Crocodiles Approach Residents' Houses On The Banks Of The Kotim River, Central Kalimantan

SAMPIT - Crocodiles are now often approaching residential areas along the river in Bangkuang Makmur Village, Kotawaringin Timur (Kotim) Regency, Central Kalimantan. The appearance of crocodiles near settlements certainly worries residents.

Bangkuang Village Head Makmur Fitriannur said the crocodile appeared near the riverbank this morning. Residents who usually do activities in the river area are worried.

"It happened this morning. The crocodile was quite large. Actually, crocodiles have appeared frequently, only this time it was recorded on video, that's why many residents know. This is our concern because it is prone to the safety of residents," he said in Sampit, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, 17 February.

The village government urges residents who live in riverbank areas to increase their vigilance when doing activities in the river area.

Fitriannur also reminded residents not to throw household waste and carcasses of livestock into the river because it could provoke hungry crocodiles looking for prey.

"Today we put up warning boards in a number of locations, especially where the crocodiles appeared this morning. We urge residents to be more careful," he said.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Sampit Muriansyah, has received information about the appearance of crocodiles near the riverbanks and will inspect the locations where crocodiles appear.

Muriansyah said the resident video footage that circulated showed the crocodile throwing the animal carcass to eat.

"Hopefully the carcass of the animal eaten by the crocodile was not given by the residents. If the carcass was deliberately given or obtained at that location, the crocodiles will often come to that location," said Muriansyah.