Hunt on for escaped Mexican crocodiles

Biologists are working around the clock to recapture at least 280 crocodiles that escaped from a Mexican refuge near the Gulf of Mexico after heavy flooding caused by Hurricane Karl.

The endangered Morelet crocodiles were on the roam in six coastal areas in the Mexican state of Veracruz and residents were told not to try to capture or kill them.

The governor of Veracruz said that about 280 crocodiles were missing from the reserve in La Antigua, although some media put the number of reptiles at closer to 400.

So far, a biologist in charge of the reserve "Colibri" (hummingbird) in Antigua, Jesus Manuel Cota, said 100 crocodiles had been caught.

"We are recapturing the animals that escaped. We are working around the clock and doubled security in the area. We have recaptured about 100 crocodiles and we'll continue working until they are all caught."

Federal authorities from the agency charged with environmental protection said crocodile experts will be sent to the region to try to recapture the animals.