A juvenile freshwater crocodile was found swimming in Ironbark Creek near Federal Park in Wallsend, Newcastle, Australia. The discovery occurred on Saturday afternoon when a group of teenagers spotted the approximately one-meter-long reptile.
Key Takeaways
A young freshwater crocodile was found in a creek near Newcastle, Australia, over 1,200 miles from its natural habitat. Authorities captured the animal after initial skepticism. Experts believe it may have been an escaped pet and are assessing its future home.
- Juvenile freshwater crocodile spotted in Ironbark Creek, Newcastle
- Animal was approximately one meter long and believed to be a subadult female
- Crocodile likely an escaped pet according to experts
- Authorities captured the animal after multiple attempts
- Crocodile will remain at Australian Reptile Park until permanent home is decided
The creek is located about 100 kilometers north of Sydney and more than 1,200 miles south of where freshwater crocodiles are typically found in northern Australia. Authorities initially doubted reports but confirmed the sighting after local residents provided photos and videos as proof.
Billy Collett, manager of the Australian Reptile Park, led a team that successfully captured the crocodile on Sunday night. The animal was found about 3 kilometers downstream from where it was first spotted. "I just wanted to get him out of there because he would've perished in winter," Collett said.
Experts believe the crocodile may have been an escaped pet rather than a natural migrant, as freshwater crocodiles are not found in the wild that far south. The species typically inhabits northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
The captured crocodile is healthy and will remain at the Australian Reptile Park while authorities determine its permanent home. Freshwater crocodiles are protected under Australian law.
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