American Crocodile Shot with Speargun in Key Largo, Wildlife Officers Seek Information

Injured Crocodile Found in Key Largo

• 🐊 An American crocodile was discovered in a Key Largo canal with a speargun spear impaled in its head.
• 💡 Residents who frequently see the crocodile in their canal reported the incident, stating it had never harmed anyone.
• 🎯 The spear, approximately 3 feet long, was lodged at an angle, suggesting the act was intentional.

Search and Rescue Efforts

• 🔍 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers are actively searching for the injured crocodile.
• 🚁 Search efforts include using boats and a drone to cover the area, but the crocodile has so far eluded capture.
• ⚠️ Wildlife officers aim to capture the animal safely to provide necessary medical treatment for its injuries.

Legal Protections and Public Appeal

• ⚖️ American crocodiles are a federally threatened species, making it illegal to harm or harass them.
• 📞 FWC is offering a reward and appealing to the public for any information, videos, or sightings of the crocodile's whereabouts.
• 💬 The incident has become a significant topic of discussion among residents in the upper keys, with hopes for the crocodile's survival.