Freshwater crocodile handed to wildlife rangers after found on Gold Coast street

A freshwater crocodile has been found on a suburban street on the Gold Coast.

Freshwater crocodile handed to rangers on Gold Coast after found on suburban street. Picture: Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

A freshwater crocodile has been found in one of the most unexpected places — a suburban street on the Gold Coast.

Two men found the crocodile near Mudgeeraba on Sunday evening before calling the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Austinville resident Zane Hemmings shared a video of the encounter with 9News, stating he was in “disbelief.”

“It’s an actual f---ing crocodile, what the actual f--- is going on,” one of the men could be heard saying in the video.

The crocodile was collected by wildlife rangers on Monday and was taken to the department’s Moggill facility for assessment.

In a statement issued to the media, a DETSI spokesman said the animal was believed to be around two months old, and appeared to be in good health.

“The circumstances that led to the animal being found on the Gold Coast are being investigated. The animal is believed to either be an escaped pet or to have been illegally taken from the wild,” the statement read.

“Anyone with information is encouraged to contact DETSI on 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.

“Freshwater crocodiles are native to Queensland, but their natural habitat is in rural areas in central, western and northwest Queensland. The Gold Coast is not considered to be freshwater crocodile habitat.”

Originally published as Freshwater crocodile handed to wildlife rangers after found on Gold Coast street