Gigantic Crocodile Found in St Thomas
A massive crocodile was discovered in a man’s backyard in the community of Albion in St Thomas on Thursday morning.
According to Loop News, the reptile, reportedly measuring 134 inches (or 11 feet) in length, entered the property from a swamp nearby .
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) arrived shortly afterwards to collect the animal, which was no harmed during its encounter with the residents.
A representative from the agency informed that Albion is part of a natural wetland area, which is the natural habit for the American crocodile specie.
“From time to time, the crocodiles have occasionally been found in this area, as well as Portmore in St Catherine,” she told Loop News.
NEPA was pleased the animal was not harmed and advised that crocodiles are listed as an endangered species, sheltered under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Any citizen caught harming crocodiles will be arrested, charged and fined up to $100,000 or serve 12-months imprisonment.
NEPA encourages Jamaicans who come into contact with a crocodile, not to interfere with the animal, but to call the agency at its Corporate offices: namely (876) 754-7540 or the toll-free hotline at 1-888-991-5005.
