Around 280 crocodiles escaped from a reserve in Mexico, due to heavy flooding caused by Hurricane Karl.
The Morelet crocodiles are roaming in six coastal areas in the Mexican state of Veracruz, and residents have been told not to kill or capture them, the BBC reported.
Some media have estimated there may actually be up to 400 crocs on the loose. However the Veracruz governor told reporters that 280 animals are at large, adding that they are contained in the reserve and pose no threat to people.
Morelet crocodiles are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. For this reason they are raised on Mexican farms and can reach up to 10 feet (three meters) in length.
Federal authorities from the environmental protection agency said crocodile experts would be sent to the region to recapture the crocodiles, according to Reuters.
Depending on the age and size of the crocodile their appetite varies, they eat fish, small birds, and mammals. Larger ones have been known to feed on domestic animals.
Hurricane Karl has already killed 15 people over the past week, and forced the evacuation of thousands of families.
The Morelet crocodiles are roaming in six coastal areas in the Mexican state of Veracruz, and residents have been told not to kill or capture them, the BBC reported.
Some media have estimated there may actually be up to 400 crocs on the loose. However the Veracruz governor told reporters that 280 animals are at large, adding that they are contained in the reserve and pose no threat to people.
Morelet crocodiles are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. For this reason they are raised on Mexican farms and can reach up to 10 feet (three meters) in length.
Federal authorities from the environmental protection agency said crocodile experts would be sent to the region to recapture the crocodiles, according to Reuters.
Depending on the age and size of the crocodile their appetite varies, they eat fish, small birds, and mammals. Larger ones have been known to feed on domestic animals.
Hurricane Karl has already killed 15 people over the past week, and forced the evacuation of thousands of families.
