A local resident on Sulawesi Island freed a 4-meter-long crocodile from a motorcycle tire that had been stuck around its neck for several years.
The crocodile lived with the tire for at least 6 years. (Photo: NurPhoto)
The massive crocodile resided in a river near the city of Palu on Sulawesi Island. Local residents nicknamed it “ban tire crocodile,” which translates to “tire-necked crocodile.” They first spotted the crocodile in 2016. Since then, conservation experts have attempted twice to capture the animal to remove the tire, but both efforts were unsuccessful. Crocodile catchers who flew in from Australia also tried to set traps but returned empty-handed.
On February 7, a 35-year-old man named Tili successfully captured the crocodile using a homemade trap that included a rope tied to a log with live chicken and duck as bait. Tili had been tracking the animal for three weeks prior and had missed it twice before finally securing his target. His first two rescue attempts failed because the rope was not strong enough to hold the weight of the crocodile. Ultimately, Tili had to use a nylon rope designed for towing.
Local residents assist in rescuing the crocodile. (Photo: NurPhoto)
After capturing the crocodile and pulling it ashore, a group of local residents, including firefighters, helped him cut the tire off its scaly neck. The crocodile was released back into the water immediately after the rescue.
The local authorities had previously offered a reward for anyone who could catch the animal and remove the tire, but they had to halt the program due to safety concerns. The authorities lacked the appropriate equipment to conduct a rescue in the river, which is home to 30 other crocodiles. The regional conservation agency stated that Tili still deserves a reward as his bold plan yielded results.
