Authorities search for crocodile that escaped from a farm in Puerto Plata

Santo Domingo.- Rescue authorities in Dominican Republic reported this Sunday that they are searching for an American crocodile that escaped from a tourist ranch located in the north of the country, an area that was hit by torrential rains that caused floods days ago. The Civil Defense said on its social media that the crocodile was sighted on Saturday near the place where it was under controlled care and that it has arranged an operation for its capture.

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The specimen is owned by a ranch dedicated to tourist excursions in the municipal district of Sabana de Yásica, located in the province of Puerto Plata, where several residences were flooded last week. The Civil Defense reported that the rains exceeded the water level where the animal was, which facilitated its exit. The relief organization urged the population to avoid approaching rivers, lagoons, and ponds in the affected area, not to attempt to capture or feed the animal, and to keep children and pets under constant supervision. The American crocodile is characterized by its long and narrow snout, olive-gray color, and ability to live in salt and fresh water. In the Dominican Republic, it inhabits Lake Enriquillo, in the southwest area of the country.