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Panicked tourists flee as 3ft crocodile spotted in water at popular holiday resort
The yacare caiman, which hails from the crocodile family, was spotted swimming in a reservoir at a popular Spanish holiday destination, sending beachgoers into a frenzy
Tourists were sent into a state of panic after a 3ft crocodile was spotted taking a swim in a reservoir at a popular Spanish holiday spot.
The creature, later identified as a yacare caiman, was seen gliding through the water near a bustling bathing area in Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha, causing a stir among the holidaymakers. The reptile was first noticed by two shocked teenagers before it was eventually apprehended by the police, just a few metres away from where families had been enjoying the blistering summer heat.
Authorities are now urgently searching for the individual who recklessly dumped the crocodile into the reservoir, as they believe it posed a significant risk to people's safety.
The animal, initially mistaken for an alligator, is part of a crocodile species typically found in the wilderness of Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, but certainly not in Spain.
Specialist officers from the Guardia Civil's nature team, Seprona, supported by local fishing club members and wildlife experts, initiated a dramatic operation to lure and capture the reptile before it could pose any threat, reports the Mirror.
The creature was lurking near a jetty at a popular swimming location when it was captured. It has since been relocated to Madrid Zoo.
Investigators have now launched an inquiry into who smuggled the creature into the country, amid concerns that it may have been part of the illegal exotic pet trade, according to the Sun.
Authorities have warned that the release of non-native species without a permit is not only reckless but also a criminal act that could trigger an ecological catastrophe. A representative from the local environmental agency stated: "This type of irresponsible release represents a serious risk to local biodiversity and can generate security problems."
The startling discovery has instilled fear among locals and tourists alike, with many now too frightened to swim in lakes and reservoirs due to concerns about potential hidden threats lurking beneath the water.
The yacare caiman, which can reach lengths of up to 1.5 metres, is highly sought after in the footwear industry for its skin, yet it is safeguarded by international laws.
Although its primary diet comprises fish, crustaceans and snails, experts caution that it is more than capable of preying on small mammals and reptiles when hungry.
Daily Star Sunday
The yacare caiman, which hails from the crocodile family, was spotted swimming in a reservoir at a popular Spanish holiday destination, sending beachgoers into a frenzy
Tourists were sent into a state of panic after a 3ft crocodile was spotted taking a swim in a reservoir at a popular Spanish holiday spot.
The creature, later identified as a yacare caiman, was seen gliding through the water near a bustling bathing area in Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha, causing a stir among the holidaymakers. The reptile was first noticed by two shocked teenagers before it was eventually apprehended by the police, just a few metres away from where families had been enjoying the blistering summer heat.
Authorities are now urgently searching for the individual who recklessly dumped the crocodile into the reservoir, as they believe it posed a significant risk to people's safety.
The animal, initially mistaken for an alligator, is part of a crocodile species typically found in the wilderness of Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, but certainly not in Spain.
Specialist officers from the Guardia Civil's nature team, Seprona, supported by local fishing club members and wildlife experts, initiated a dramatic operation to lure and capture the reptile before it could pose any threat, reports the Mirror.
The creature was lurking near a jetty at a popular swimming location when it was captured. It has since been relocated to Madrid Zoo.
Investigators have now launched an inquiry into who smuggled the creature into the country, amid concerns that it may have been part of the illegal exotic pet trade, according to the Sun.
Authorities have warned that the release of non-native species without a permit is not only reckless but also a criminal act that could trigger an ecological catastrophe. A representative from the local environmental agency stated: "This type of irresponsible release represents a serious risk to local biodiversity and can generate security problems."
The startling discovery has instilled fear among locals and tourists alike, with many now too frightened to swim in lakes and reservoirs due to concerns about potential hidden threats lurking beneath the water.
The yacare caiman, which can reach lengths of up to 1.5 metres, is highly sought after in the footwear industry for its skin, yet it is safeguarded by international laws.
Although its primary diet comprises fish, crustaceans and snails, experts caution that it is more than capable of preying on small mammals and reptiles when hungry.
Daily Star Sunday