Jan 30, 2008 7:02 pm US/Eastern
Scaly Threat Lurks By Coconut Grove Sailing Club
COCONUT GROVE (CBS4) ―
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A crocodile similar to this one was lurking in the waters at The Coconut Grove Sailing Club.
CBS
A group of Middle School students were learning how to sail at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club Wednesday, when they noticed something large swimming towards them.
The crocodile was an unusual sight for both managers and students, who were only accustomed to seeing manatees, baby barracudas, or small fish swimming in the waters.
Luckily the crocodile didn't attack anyone, but managers of the club aren't taking chances, they want the scaly creature out.
"The other day we seemed to notice there was a little something strange over here, and come to find out it's a crocodile," said Nick Mansbach of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club.
Nick Mansbach last saw the crocodile in the area Tuesday, and it's been on his mind ever since.
"We run a lot of community programs here, a lot of afterschool programs and we're really concerned for the safety of the kids and others who visit the park," he said.
Nick worries the crocodile is too comfortable around humans.
"He was here for about an hour the other day and again, not fearful of the people who were on the dock, and when an animal that size is not fearful of people on the dock it becomes a concern," he said.
La Salle High School Senior Nick Voss hasn't seen the croc yet and he's not scared of it. But of course, he plans to stay in a boat.
He is however concerned for the children, some as young as six years old, who kayak and swim at the club.
He says the croc's got to go.
"You have to if there are all these little kids running around. Make sure it's not here anymore," Voss said.
A spokesman for Florida Fish and Wildlife tells me they know about this crocodile and get a number of calls about it.
They say it roams from Mercy Hospital to the Grove. Managers say a trapper is coming out in the next few days to catch it and move it to a sanctuary.
Unlike alligators, crocodiles are protected because they are a threatened species.
Still, the folks at Coconut Grove Sail Club hope it finds a new home, soon.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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