Thousands of crocodiles loose after South Africa floods

2013-01-25 459

Farmers wrestle to recapture some 15,000 crocodiles on the loose in South Africa.

They escaped from a crocodile farm near the border with Botswana this week when heavy rains swept through the area, causing flooding.

Workers opened the farm gates out of fear that the rushing water would crush the reptiles.

Only half of the escaped crocodiles have been recaptured in the area, in and around one of southern Africa's biggest rivers, the Limpopo.

One crocodile-- apparently from the farm-- was captured about 120 km away at a school rugby field.

This week, heavy rains and flooding have claimed at least 20 lives in Mozambique and South Africa and led to the evacuations of thousands.