14 Nov 2008

Expert says crocodile behaviour in Solomons is unusual

1:27 pm on 14 November 2008

A crocodile behaviour expert says he thinks it's bizarre behaviour for a growing population of crocodiles in the Solomon Islands to be venturing closer to villages.

This comes as police in the region reported three deaths caused by crocodile attacks in the past six months.

Professor Craig Franklin of the University of Queensland says crocodiles tend to be shy.

"If the numbers are increasing in the Solomon Islands then often animals get displace further and further afield. You know, it's unusual that their congregating around villages or towns for the simple reason that crocodiles tend to be very shy and cautious animals."

Craig Franklin says feeding crocodiles is a dangerous practice.