<p>Veracruz's governor Fidel Herrera told reporters that the crocodiles were kept in an outdoor facility next to the port of Veracruz which bred the endangered reptiles in captivity.<br /><br />The enclosure became submerged after the hurricane carried torrential rains, allowing the animals to escape. Karl passed through Mexico over the weekend, leaving at least 12 people dead and forcing 40,000 into shelters as it pummelled a country already reeling from one of its wettest rainy seasons on record.<br /><br />Residents of Veracruz were urged to be vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings to local authorities.</p>
<p>Veracruz's governor Fidel Herrera told reporters that the crocodiles were kept in an outdoor facility next to the port of Veracruz which bred the endangered reptiles in captivity.<br /><br />The enclosure became submerged after the hurricane carried torrential rains, allowing the animals to escape. Karl passed through Mexico over the weekend, leaving at least 12 people dead and forcing 40,000 into shelters as it pummelled a country already reeling from one of its wettest rainy seasons on record.<br /><br />Residents of Veracruz were urged to be vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings to local authorities.</p>