A stray saltwater crocodile has been captured by wildlife experts after a horrified family found it hiding in their chicken coop.
The family, in Mackay, Queensland, Australia at first thought the young croc was a large lizard trying to steal eggs when they found it on 8th January.
But they called for help when they realised that what had actually come home to roost was a juvenile of one of the most dangerous animals on the planet.
Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) confirmed that the family has found a one metre-long estuarine croc.
The species, commonly known as a saltwater crocodile, can grow to 20 feet long and weigh more than 3,000 lbs.
DESI staff trapped the crocodile in a large PVC tube for transport to the department’s animal refuge in Mackay.
It will stay until wildlife officers find a new home for the animal at a licensed farm or zoo.
Queensland Environment said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 9th January: “Croc-a-doodle-do!
“This funny looking chicken has been evicted from a chicken coop at a home north of Mackay.
“Our Wildlife Officers safely removed the 1m estuarine croc in a large PVC tube for transportation to the department’s facility in Mackay.
“The croc will remain in our care until our officers find it a new home, at a licensed farm or zoo.
Cops Hunt Crocodile Or Shark That Tore Off Elderly Man’s Leg
“Fortunately, all chickens and pets living on the property have been accounted for đź‘Ś.
“Great work to the resident for promptly reporting the unexpected visitor and practicing Crocwise behaviour.”
Experts warned that weeks of torrential rain and flooding had washed crocodiles out of their normal territories.
Queensland Environment added: “After several weeks of heavy rain across parts of Croc country, crocs may be turning up in funny places.
“This is a great reminder to stay mindful during post-storm clean up.”
Senior Wildlife Officer Jane Burns told local media that crocodiles can be highly mobile, especially during summer and following wet weather.
She said: “While it isn’t unusual to see crocodiles around Mackay, it is unusual to find one in someone’s backyard.
“This is a good reminder to everyone in Croc Country that crocodiles can turn up in unexpected places, so it’s important to always be Crocwise, and report all sightings to DESI as soon as you can.”
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Marija Stojkoska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
