Scientists set snares for Sifis

Now the operation has heightened the curiosity of locals that have come out in numbers to see the now famous croc and the efforts to capture it.

The Development Organization of Crete has placed several traps in order to capture “Sifis” the Cretan crocodile that was found in the area of Rethymno, on the island of Crete last week.

Efforts are being made to capture the reptile alive, Rethymno Mayor Giorgis Marinakis has said. A specialist herpetologist arrived on the island to monitor today's major operation to capture the crocodile.

Petros Liberakis, the herpetologist who is overseeing the operation, has ordered thermal sensors and other traps for use in the capture. Local officials have described the undertaking as "unprecedented and highly sensitive"