Nile crocodile abandoned at a California mall with a note, ‘call rescue’
The California suburbs got a surprise this week as a nile crocodile was just wandering around a mall, near a T.J. Maxx, left by its owner with a note attached – “Call rescue.”
California Fish and Wildlife officials have taken custody of the croc, are feeding it rainbow trout and will likely donate it to a zoo.
Police say the crocodile was apparently left outside the Roseville store by someone who didn’t want it anymore.
The animal had grown to 4-feet long, and its jaws had been wrapped shut with heavy-duty tape. They claim the note identified the animal as a Nile crocodile and confirmed no one was hurt.
Police Sgt. Kelby Newton told NBC Bay Area said a rubbermaid container was found nearby and they assume the animal just popped the lid off to escape.
Roseville Animal Control Officer John Bennett ended up lassoeing “the critter,” which was not happy about getting into a cage.
“That thing was real quick and agile,” Bennett said.
“Totally the first time,” Newton said of responding to a “crocodile call.”
He added that despite the initial scare for TJ Maxx shoppers, the situation was quickly and safely remedied.
“A lot of people were relieved,” he said, “when they saw the duct tape on its mouth.”
Screenshot of NBC coverage: abandoned crocodile at a California mall
