Quote[/b] ]I have spoken with the naturalists at the Nature Center and ODNR officials
regarding the illegally released crocodilians. A professional will be
trapping the animal (or animals) as soon as possible. It has already been
arranged for them to be transported to us once they are captured. We will
send the crocodilians to a wildlife sanctuary in the Everglades.
Please do not attempt to capture them on your own. Kids have already been
seen trying to go into the marsh looking for them. The park services are
concerned that a person or the animals will get hurt, so they are trying to
have them captured as soon as possible. The animals will not be killed or
harmed.
It is worthy of mention that the news media misquoted the park officials on
a number of issues. I have done many media interviews and I can attest to
this myself... please don't necessarily believe everything you hear or see
quoted by the media. In this matter a number of facts were misrepresented
and inaccurate.
Thanks for your concern regarding these animals. With any luck they will
soon be out of harm's way and en route to their natural habitat and a good
life.
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Damien N Oxier, ARR Director
ODNR Wildlife Rehabilitator