Croc-a-Doodle-Doo: South African Police Station Plays Host to Uninvited Reptilian Guest
An 11-foot fashion critic crocodile strolled into a South African police station, causing the police to call for help from a local ‘Crocodile Dundee’ who helped to capture the 3.3 meter reptilian invader.
By Beth Snider · October 22, 2023
Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk at the South African police station near Mandeni, minding your own business, and suddenly, an unexpected visitor saunters in. But this isn’t your average door-to-door salesman; it’s an 11-foot crocodile, here to file a grievance against the fashion choices of passing zebras!
Yes, you heard that right. In a plot twist that would make Crocodile Dundee himself do a double-take, this uninvited guest waltzed into the police station with all the nonchalance of a peacock on a catwalk. Maybe he wanted to report a case of stolen scales, or perhaps he was angling for a role in the next “Jaws” movie.
The police, who were probably more accustomed to handling paperwork than reptiles, did what any reasonable person would do – they called for backup. You know you’re in trouble when your response to a wild crocodile is to request a SWAT team.
Realizing they were a bit out of their depth, the police wisely decided to call in the cavalry. Ashton Musgrave, a local legend in safely capturing crocodiles, was the man for the job. If James Bond had a wildlife counterpart, Ashton would be it. In he strode, armed with nerves of steel and a healthy dose of crocodile etiquette. In a display of incredible expertise, they managed to subdue the massive reptile without any croc-related shenanigans. Croc-whisperers, anyone?
Now, you might wonder about the size of this unwelcome visitor. Brace yourselves – it measured a whopping 3.3 meters, which is just shy of 11 feet. That’s one big, scaly house guest. You’d need more than a “Beware of Crocodile” sign to warn guests about this one.
After discussions with the relevant authorities, the decision was made to relocate the crocodile to the Hluhluwe area. Because nothing says “welcome to your new home” like a bumpy car ride, right? Perhaps it’s seeking a change of scenery or was just looking for an excuse to experience the local delicacies.
But the real twist in the tale comes from the magical world of social media. IPSS S&R, a non-profit organization specializing in search and rescue services, shared the story on their Facebook page. The post quickly became the hottest topic in town, sparking conversations about the delicate balance between wildlife and safety.
Some avid commenters suggested that the area should undergo a thorough “croc-ensus” to ensure there aren’t more stealthy reptiles lurking nearby. After all, you never know when a crocodile housewarming party might break out, and you wouldn’t want to be caught unprepared. Others, in their newfound wildlife wisdom, pointed out the legality of the situation. The Nile crocodile happens to be a protected species in South Africa, which means you can’t just waltz into a police station and expect to get away with it. It’s a crime, folks, and the crocodile is the victim.
So, there you have it – a croc-oming of age story that has left everyone shell-shocked. The moral of the story is simple: expect the unexpected, especially when you’re in a place where wildlife encounters are as common as a coffee run. And always remember, not even the most cunning crocodile can outsmart the long arm of the law.