BANGKOK, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Cages have been laid on beaches in western Phuket, Thailand in a sustained effort to catch a lone crocodile alive, said a senior government official on Friday.

Several cages have been laid on Bang Tao beach and Laypang beach, north of the popular Patong beach on the western side of the island province, whereas all beachgoers have been warned to keep out of the beach areas for the time being, according to Deputy Phuket Provincial Governor Thawornwat Khongkaew.

The crocodile left footprints in the sand on Bang Tao beach and was spotted on Thursday by a drone near Laypang beach, prompting a team of hunters to lay the cages with chicken meat inside as baits to ensnare the reptile, the deputy provincial governor said.

All tourists and other people have been alerted by local authorities to never swim in the sea or stroll along those beaches for the time being.

The crocodile had been reportedly spotted for the first time last week on Karon beach, south of Patong beach on the western side of Phuket.