BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A chilling encounter in Brevard County left residents shaken after a large American crocodile was spotted swimming through a canal with a large dog clutched in its jaws.
The incident occurred near South Patrick Shores, not far from Sea Park Boulevard and South Patrick Drive, and prompted an immediate response from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials.
The disturbing scene was captured on video Tuesday by local resident Zack Spurlock, who told WESH News he rushed to the area after receiving a text from a friend walking nearby with a baby in a stroller.
“Ten feet away was this 11-foot crocodile swimming with what looked like a golden retriever in its mouth,” Spurlock recalled.
It was just heartbreaking. I mean, I’m a dog owner. I know they’re part of the family and so I couldn’t help but have my heart go out to them that their worst fear had come true.”
**Warning: This video contains material that some viewers may find disturbing due to its graphic nature.**
FWC confirmed the crocodile was removed from the canal. Fire rescue crews and concerned neighbors gathered as wildlife officers wrangled the reptile from the water.
WESH noted that this particular crocodile had been seen before in the area, including at Gleason Park, where families had previously taken photos of it sunning itself on the grass.
“It had zero fear of humans,” Spurlock said. “When I saw that behavior, I knew something bad was going to happen.”
Spurlock has documented the crocodile’s presence over the past three years, claiming it had been relocated multiple times but always returned to the same canal. FWC confirmed that this was the only documented American crocodile in the region since 2018.
(CNN Newsource){ }{ }
Following the fatal incident, officials made the decision to place the crocodile into permanent captivity.
See also: Georgia woman busted for posing as SLC sheriff’s office personnel in nationwide scam
“After careful consideration, the crocodile has been placed into permanent captivity,” FWC stated.
Wildlife officials are urging residents to keep pets and children away from the water’s edge, especially in areas known for crocodile or alligator activity.
Find more ways to stay up to date with your latest local news. Sign up for our newsletter to get the day’s top headlines delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and can’t miss video.