10-foot croc draws crowd at Benaulim

Colva: A 10-foot long crocodile was spotted on the banks of the Sal in Benaulim on Wednesday, captivating spectators and motorists who halted to catch a glimpse of the reptile.
A local said the mugger remained sprawled on the riverbank for around an hour in the evening before sliding back into the water.
For Benaulim residents accustomed to utilising the area for fishing, the appearance of the crocodile has been a cause for concern.
While no incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported, former Benaulim MLA Caetano Silva had erected railings to enhance safety in the area for enthusiasts and anglers.
Subsequently, zilla member Hanzel Fernandes had also installed wire-mesh fencing to deter people from dumping plastic and other waste into the river.
Encounters with crocodiles along the Salcete coastal belt are rare, although during the monsoon season, tiny crocodile hatchlings are occasionally discovered in streams.
“The appearance of a huge crocodile is rare,” a villager said.