Crocodile Captured In Hancock County
HANCOCK COUNTY — Conservation officers are trying to track down the owner of a crocodile found in a Hancock County creek.
A landowner in the northern part of the county called the Department of Natural Resources after seeing what they believed to be an alligator in Brandywine Creek Monday. A conservation officer found tracks resembling alligator prints in a muddy area, then was eventually able to find and capture the three-foot-long crocodile.
Officers say crocodiles and alligators are not native to Indiana and they are now looking for where this reptile came from.
“Crocodilians are generally purchased by people who are interested in caring for an exotic and exciting pet, but they soon realize that proper care is difficult and expensive.” said Capt. Bill Browne. “The focus now will be to determine who may have released it, and make sure they do not have any other wild animals that might be released.”
Officers say it is legal to possess a crocodilian up to five feet long in the state without a permit, but say some species may require the owner to obtain a federal permit.
If you have information about the Hancock County crocodile, call the DNR tip line at 1-800-TIP-IDNR. You can remain anonymous.
Source: WTHR