Video footage of a baby crocodile at Pet Dam in Ermelo has been circulating in on social media and has caused a stir with residents, especially those socialising and those using the footpath near the dam.
After receiving the video, the Highvelder sent it to Msukaligwa Local Municipality and the Wildlife Protection Services in the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency for verification.
Ermelo’s Chief Nature Conservator, Mr Johan Coetser confirmed that indeed it is a baby crocodile seen on the video and he immediately assembled a team to investigate, however, there was no sign of the reptile. The search was recently intensified when they brought two boats in search of the reptile, but again, they did not spot it.
When asked where could the animal come from, Mr Coetser said its possible that someone had kept it at home and eventually dumped it in the dam after it became difficult to keep.
“Due to the weather conditions in the highveld region, such a reptile won’t survive or even breed, however, there is sufficient food supply such as as birds, fish and there’s also sufficient shelter for it,” said Mr Coetser in a telephonic interview. He also said this was not the first time a crocodile was spotted in Ermelo and surroundings. A few years ago one was recovered in Douglass Dam and another in Bethal Dam.
According to the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation act 10 of 1998, it is illegal to keep, transport, sell or donate any indigenous wild life animals such as birds and reptiles without a special permit. Crocodiles can grow to a maximum size of about 6 meters and can weigh up to 225 kilograms.
They feed on a variety of animals including fish and birds, but they will attack almost anything unfortunate enough to cross their path.
Mr Coetser said they would continue to monitor the area to establish if the animal is still there and will inform the municipality after they have satisfied themselves that the area is safe.
Mr Coetser advised that should the animal be seen, people must not attack or try to catch it as it is a protected specie.
Anyone with information regarding the animal or sees it must contact the Wildlife Protection Services office on 017 819 2827.
