Freshwater Crocodile Found Far From Natural Habitat on Gold Coast

Authorities are investigating whether the two-month-old crocodile was an escaped pet or illegally removed from the wild.

A freshwater crocodile was discovered on a road near Mudgeeraba in the Gold Coast hinterland, far from its natural habitat in rural Queensland.
The crocodile, approximately two months old and in good health, was captured by locals and handed over to wildlife authorities.
Officials from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) suspect the animal was either an escaped pet or illegally taken from the wild.
The crocodile is undergoing vet checks at a facility in Moggill, Brisbane, and may be relocated to a zoo or rescue farm.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of the crocodile's appearance, with potential penalties for illegal wildlife handling under review.