After an 8-year hunt, it is done

New Delhi, July 10: An elusive monster saltwater crocodile weighing 600 kilograms (1,328 pounds) has finally been caught after an eight-year hunt in Australia, officials said on Tuesday.

The crocodile was weighing 600 kg, the official said today. The crocodile is about 4.7 meters long. They caught the crocodile in the water flowing down the Catherine River.

Officials said it was first seen in 2010 and since then has been going on for it. The crocodile is about 60 years old.

Senior wildlife officer John Burke told reporters that we have worked hard to haunt this crocodile. It is the largest crocodile caught on the Catherine River. Saltwater crocodiles are very common in Australia. On average, two lives are being lost annually.

The crocodile population has exploded since they were declared a protected species in the 1970s, with the killing of an elderly woman last year reigniting calls to curb their numbers.

"It is a bit of a thrill, but you've also got to admire the size of the animal and how old it is. You've got to have a bit of respect for it."

The animal was taken to a crocodile farm to keep it separate from the local human population, said Northern Territory wildlife operations chief Tracey Duldig.