AN elusive Indonesian crocodile, which has swum around with a motorcycle tire stuck around its neck for six years, has finally been freed by an animal lover on the island of Sulawesi.

The roughly 4-meter crocodile had generated sympathy among some residents in the city of Palu who feared the tire might eventually choke the reptile as it grew in size. But it had proved very difficult to capture. At one point, an Australian crocodile wrangler attempted to free the reptile but was unsuccessful.

“I caught the crocodile by myself. I was asking for help from people here, but they were scared,” said local resident Tili, 35, who like many Indonesians uses one name.

He set up a basic trap with a rope tied to a log and using live chickens and ducks as bait.

He tracked the reptile for three weeks and the wily crocodile managed to escape his trap on two occasions before finally being captured.

“Many people were skeptical about me and thought I was not serious about capturing the crocodile,” said Tili, beaming as he posed for pictures in front of the tethered reptile after using a saw to remove the tire.

In 2020, authorities in the province had offered an unspecified reward for anyone who could remove the tire, though for Tili it did not appear to be his main motivation.

“I just can’t stand to see animals hurt. Even snakes, I will help,” said Tili, whose wildlife expertise is self-taught.

The reptile was released back into the river Feb. 7.

(SD-Agencies)