State wildlife officers are seeking information after a crocodile was impaled by a spear in the nearshore waters of Key Largo.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers were notified of an injured American crocodile at 11:45 a.m. on Oct. 18. FWC officers arrived to witness an approximately 8-foot American crocodile in Key Largo, near MM 101, with a spear from a speargun lodged in the back of its head.
FWC officers and authorized wildlife professionals from Zoo Miami attempted to capture the crocodile for treatment but were unsuccessful on Oct. 18. The search continued through the evening of Oct. 20, when the impaled crocodile was spotted in the back of a canal near Waterways Drive in Key Largo.
FWC and Zoo Miami attempted another rescue, and this time it was successful. The crocodile was subsequently transported to the zoo for treatment.
Zoo Miami said the American crocodile was in recovery after head veterinarian Dr. Gwen Myers removed the spear from its skull Monday morning.
“The crocodile was given fluids, antibiotics and pain medication and is now resting, removed from the public,” said Cindy Castelblanco, director of marketing and communications for Zoo Miami.”
Castelblanco added the crocodile also had a bullet in between the eyes. She said they hope to eventually return the crocodile to the wild once it has made some progress in its recovery.
American crocodiles are listed as a federally-threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to kill or harass American crocodiles under state and federal law.
FWC investigators are seeking information about this incident. Anyone with photos, videos or information is asked to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Reports can be made anonymously, and tips that lead to an arrest or citation may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
