Olivier Behra may be one of the finest herpetologists, however he was unable to locate Crete’s celebrity crocodile, affectionately known to fans as Sifis. Mr. Behra is trying to catch Sifis using a small boat, a flashlight, a rope and a short pole but so far his efforts have come up empty handed.

The famous herpetologist is not giving up and appears determined to capture the creature that has spread fear and fascination at Potamo Dam, near Rethymno.

Coming back from his expedition, Behra explained that he needs to look at the lake first because “there are lots of differences from area to area so it is very difficult” to move through. “In certain areas it is very steep so I have to look at consistency before I catch the crocodile,” he said.

“Behra appears determined and has told us that he’ll do all that he can to find and capture the crocodile as long as there are the right conditions, such as the absolute absence of light and sound,” says Manolis Chnaris, spokesman for the region’s prefecture.  The area has been cordoned off so that no cars can pass to allow for absolute silence and concentration.

On her part, Hara Kargiolaki, head of the Forestry Service of Rethymno, said that it is of upmost importance to keep the crocodile calm and not agitate it so that Behra can get near.

Who is Behra?

Footage from Behra’s efforts (in Greek, with an English statement by Behra) –

Fans of the Cretan croc aren’t disappointed

He has a Facebook page, a series of ads were dedicated to him, he’s been made a song and oodles of Cretan poetry known as mandinades have been dedicated to him, but the interest doesn’t look as though it’s waning…

Cretan croc pizzas are a best-seller at a Rethymno restaurant

Blow-up Sifis dolls have been sold on Crete from the outset

Sifis is slowly replacing bulls as a symbol of Crete. Here he is on a Minoan fresco

Sifis gone viral…

Sifis, the Loch Ness monster of Potami Dam, Crete