Croc stopper: An Australian crocodile expert has been asked to catch the reptile seen at Nam Shan near Yuen Long. (Photo credit: Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department)

An Australian crocodile expert will visit Hong Kong this week, to catch a crocodile that has been spotted in the waters at Nam Shan near Yuen Long.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will work with a newspaper organisation to bring in the expert, John Lever. He will try to catch it bare-handed, or will use special equipment. The department's prime concern is to avoid harming the creature.

If Mr Lever is successful, the department will send the crocodile to its Animal Management Centre for a health check by a vet. It will then be sent to the Hong Kong Zoo for temporary care, the department's director Thomas Chan said.

"In the long run, we will consider keeping it in the HK Wetland Park upon completion of the second phase of the project for educational purposes."

If the expert fails to catch the crocodile, the department will continue using a cage to try to catch it.

Mr Chan reminded the public not to attempt to catch the crocodile, adding that it is illegal without a special hunting permit from the department.

Under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, unauthorised attempts to catch the crocodile and other wild animals is subject to maximum fine of up to $50,000 upon conviction.