SPCA: 'Very Aggressive' Crocodile Found in Melville Parking Lot

A “very aggressive” 3-foot-long crocodile was found inside a box in a parking lot of a Melville industrial park on Tuesday, according to Suffolk County SPCA.

Jerry Mosca, director of the Huntington Animal Shelter, received an anonymous call that there was a crocodile in an open top cardboard box at 25 Melville Park Road.

The crocodile was so aggressive that its mouth had to be taped shut, the SPCA reports.

Despite its aggressive nature, the reptile appears to be healthy and is about 3 years old, according to Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross.

“Having something like this is very dangerous,” Gross said of the reptile. “It’s a very bad choice to even get one.”

Town of Huntington Animal Control officers turned the reptile over to the Suffolk County SPCA after they responded to the anonymous call.

The Suffolk County SPCA and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Police are holding a joint investigation to find out who left the crocodile in the parking lot.

A $1,000 reward will be given to anyone who can identify the person responsible for abandoning the reptile.

The person responsible will be charged with possession of an illegal animal and endangering the public. The misdemeanor charges could result in a jail sentence of one year and a $1,000 fine.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

Images via Suffolk SPCA