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March 3, 2026
Crocodile found by boy lurking in a creek near family's home, 1,200 miles from its tropical habitat
Updated on: March 3, 2026 / 6:56 AM EST / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- A 12-year-old boy spotted a meter-long crocodile in a creek in Newcastle, Australia.
- Newcastle is 1,200 miles south of Australia's usual crocodile habitat.
- Authorities and the boy's mother were initially skeptical of the sighting.
- The Australian Reptile Park was contacted, and their manager suspected AI-generated fakes.
- Police confirmed the crocodile's presence, and it was captured by the park's team.
- The captured reptile is a freshwater crocodile (crocodylus johnstoni), a smaller species than saltwater crocodiles.
- It is suspected the crocodile was a released pet.
- The healthy crocodile is temporarily housed at the park.
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