Neighbors in shock after crocodile attack: “I’m a dog owner. … My heart went out to them that their worst fear had come true”

In most parts of the world, dog owners rarely have to worry about their pets crossing paths with something bigger, stronger, and capable of doing real harm. For the most part, that is also true in Florida. However, for one unfortunate owner, that assumption ended in heartbreak after their dog suffered a gruesome death at the jaws of a crocodile.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that a large American crocodile was captured on Nov. 16 after it was seen swimming through a residential canal in South Patrick Shores, just north of Satellite Beach, with a dead dog in its mouth.

A rare but dangerous crocodile encounter

American crocodiles are among the largest crocodilian species in the world. Some males can reach up to 23 feet in length and weigh more than 2,200 pounds.

While the species is known to inhabit southern Florida, officials said the incident marked the first confirmed sighting of an American crocodile in the South Patrick Shores area since 2018.

Beyond Florida, the reptiles are found along coastal areas of southern Mexico, across much of Central America, and in several South American countries, including Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Ecuador. They are also present on numerous Caribbean islands.

“Their worst fear had come true”

Speaking to Orlando-based television station WESH, local resident Zack Spurlock described the disturbing scene after receiving a message from a friend who had come across it while walking with their child.

“Ten feet away is this 11-foot crocodile swimming with a golden retriever-type breed in its mouth,” Spurlock said. “I’m a dog owner. My heart went out to them that their worst fear had come true.”

Following the incident, FWC officers captured the crocodile and relocated it to permanent captivity.

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