Giant crocodile has an even larger mate: wildlife official

The giant crocodile that was captured alive in the Philippines over the weekend is believed to have an even larger mate.

Giant crocodile caught alive in the Philippines | Video courtesy of "popis191"

Despite the capture of the one-ton saltwater crocodile, villagers and expert hunters continue their hunt for a possibly larger one.

"There is a bigger one, and it could be the one creating problems," wildlife official Ronnie Sumiller told The Associated Press

"The villagers were saying 10 percent of their fear was gone because of the first capture," Sumiller said. "But there is still the other 90 percent to take care of."

It took about 100 men to pull the huge saltwater crocodile measuring 21 feet long from a river in Barangay Era in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur Sunday morning. Weighing 2,370 pounds (1,075 kilograms), the crocodile was the biggest to be caught alive in the Philippines in recent years.

The effort to capture the giant crocodile has been intensified after several residents have reportedly gone missing for months now. Residents had also reported witnessing the crocodile preying on their carabaos (water buffaloes).

Shortly after midnight Sunday, villagers and veteran hunters set up trap made of wood and steel cables which trapped the crocodile as he went for the bait. It took them at least 4 hours to successfully pull the giant croc out the river.

The crocodile has been placed in a fenced cage in an area where the town plans to build an eco-tourism park.

According to the Guinness World Records, the largest crocodile in captivity was caught in Australia. It measures 17 feet 11.75 inches (5.48 meters). Last Sunday's catch then is the biggest in the world.

Saltwater crocodiles can live for more than 100 years and can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters) long.