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Dead Crocodile Is Found At UM

CORAL GABLES (CBS4) ― A crocodile who called the University of Miami Coral Gables campus home was found without its head or tail, and now officials and students alike are disturbed.

Authorities are trying to figure out who killed the American Crocodile that was found by a maintenance worker near a canal, just feet away from the campus police department.

"It's obviously somebody evil," said Jorge Pino, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "Somebody who would kill a majestic animal, it's been around for years and years. It's a majestic animal."

Crocodiles are a common sight at UM. They're often spotted sunning themselves.

"It's a landmark," said UM student Tommy Lee. "It's always out there you know, with its big mouth open, kind of hanging out. It's part of the campus."

"I think it's really horrible, animal cruelty," said student Toni Gorman.

The Florida Wildlife Commission is investigating the death, and they're hoping to find the person or person or people responsible for killing the federally and state protected animal.

Officials suspect a machete or hatchet may have been used in the slaying, and they also believe the animal was lured out of the water and then killed.

The school issued a statement saying: "The University of Miami was saddened to hear about the discovery on our property of an endangered American Crocodile that was apparently killed. The University if cooperating fully with Florida Wildlife Commission Authorities on its investigation."

Experts will perform a necropsy will be performed in hopes of finding out more clues.

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