Pine Island, Fla. (WFLA) – An investigation is underway after South Florida residents discovered a weed crocodile that was shot and killed “about five times.”
Last week, residents heard five gunshot echoes, according to NBC affiliate WBBH.
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The neighbor checked the area and found a dead crocodile. They said sightings of crocodiles are common in their area, but violence is not the case.
“The crocodile has returned to weeds, but it’s dead,” state vice-president Larry Full told WBBH in September. Someone shot five times so I went back and dragged it out. ”
Before it died, another resident saw the same gator earlier that day, adding that two men were untooking animals and throwing things.
“He was alive. When I saw him, he was alive,” Michael Bartlett told the news outlet. “Then when I saw that it was shocking. It’s even shocking that someone would do it to such an animal.”
After the shooting, Full said someone had cut off the Gator’s tail.
Currently, Florida fish and wildlife officials are investigating the case as killing crocodiles during mating season is a felony and doing it without permission is illegal. As the investigation continues, neighbors hope that the person in charge will be accountable to anyone.
