❒ Crocodile putting residents in fear

Rasbert Turner, Star Writer
spanishtown

A number of residents living along the bank of the Rio Cobre in St Catherine have expressed concerns about their safety, since they observed at least one large crocodile in the much-used river.

"All that the environment people are saying is that the crocodile is an endangered species and it's protected, but what about the little children who sometimes play on the bank of the river? This thing can crawl out; them need to catch it now," said Imogene Blackstock.

The views of Miss Blackstock were echoed by others. "We need to get this thing out of the water, as despite the claim that it is harmless, we still believe it will kill people. It must be taken away from here as the river runs near to a whole lot a people's houses," said Michelle, an occupant of a house near Thompson Pen, where the reptile was spotted.

The sighting of the reptile in the vicinity of the Iron Bridge in Spanish Town, brought traffic to a standstill Monday morning.

dog as bait

Persons even tried to use a dog as bait to lure the reptile into their trap, however, the dog swam to safety, while the crocodile escaped the wrath of those who wanted to catch it.

lives disrupted

According to Natalie Fearon, of the National Environment Planning Agency, (NEPA), the crocodile that was spotted is an American crocodile and it is docile and is also protected under the law. She said that residents need to call NEPA, so that they can deal with the problem they are having.

In the meanwhile, the residents claimed that their lives have been disrupted with the knowledge that the large crocodile is now an unwelcome neighbour.