Conservation officers capture crocodile in Hancock County

Photo courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources

HANCOCK COUNTY, Ind. -- Indiana Conservation Officers captured a crocodile in the area of Brandywine Creek in Hancock County on Monday.

A resident contacted DNR after seeing a reptile resembling an alligator.

When conservation officers arrived, they found tracks in the mud that were consistent with an alligator.

The reptile was captured using spotlights and large dip nets.

The crocodile is three feet long.

Crocodiles and alligators are not native to Indiana.

“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.”

If you have any information about where this crocodile may have come from, please contact the tip line at 1-800-TIP-IDNR. Callers can remain anonymous.