Florida police escort ‘little’ crocodile found wandering streets early in the morning
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida police had their hands full over the weekend as they gave a “little” crocodile an official escort after it was found wandering the streets early in the morning.
On Saturday, the Aventura Police Department said its midnight shift officers came across the “little” guy, who didn’t look all that little. Officers helped the crocodile take a tour of the city while making sure the “visitor didn’t act out.”
“You have to be a VIP to get a police escort,” the department wrote on social media, along with several photos and videos of the croc encounter.
Credit: Aventura Police Department Credit: Aventura Police Department Credit: Aventura Police Department
According to the police department, after the crocodile wrapped up its nighttime fun, a professional was called out to capture and relocate the animal to a “more appropriate location.”
Aventura is located about 15 miles north of Miami, which is in the range of crocodiles to be present. The population of American crocodiles in Florida is a conservation success story, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
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Listed as an endangered species in 1975, crocodile numbers have recovered from just a few hundred to as many as 2,000 adult crocodiles. The species are classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
According to the FWC, American crocodiles live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean and occur at the northern end of their range in South Florida and the Keys. The animals are shy and reclusive species, the FWC said.
Anyone concerned about a crocodile should call 866-392-4286, and one of FWC’s crocodile response agents will respond. The FWC also provides information to help people safely co-exist with crocodiles.
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