It is mating season for crocodiles and wildlife officials yesterday said they were intensifying their efforts to find a monstrous 4 metre-long crocodile, suspected of eating two northern KwaZulu-Natal residents in recent weeks.

It is mating season for crocodiles and wildlife officials yesterday said they were intensifying their efforts to find a monstrous 4 metre-long crocodile, suspected of eating two northern KwaZulu-Natal residents in recent weeks.

There are fears among Ezemvelo Wildlife officials that if the crocodile is a female she may have already laid eggs. A nesting crocodile may display increased aggression.

Early this year, a 15-year-old boy who was fishing with his 11-year-old friend was dragged into the water and eaten by a crocodile at the Sibhicayi River in the Mduku area.

Ezemvelo spokesman Maureen Zimu said before this incident another resident was attacked and eaten by a suspected 6 metre-long crocodile.

It was later established that the crocodile's length was 4 metres.

Zimu said officials believed the same crocodile was responsible for both attacks.

The organisation said its efforts to find the crocodile had been intensified.

"If there is a nest, the crocodile may be a bit more aggressive," said Zimu.

Residents have been warned to stay far away from the river and the river edge.

"A crocodile generally goes to the edge of a river, digs a hole and lays its eggs. It will then sit nearby and watch like a hawk to ensure that no one goes near its nest . they are very clever," Zimu explained.

A crocodile may sit in the same spot to keep vigil for up to three weeks. - Sapa