CLARENDON, Jamaica – A crocodile was removed from the Salt River, in Clarendon on Sunday, and relocated, according to the Senior Manager, Conservation and Protection, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Andrea Donaldson.

Despite not being able to confirm the time the crocodile was spotted and removed, Donaldson said, “there was a reported crocodile incident, I’m assuming, in Salt River. The Caribbean Coastal Management Foundation who manages the protected areas on behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), collected the animal and I believe they relocated it.”

She also did not say where the animal was taken.

In a video circulating on social media, the crocodile was spotted in the shallows of the river, as on-lookers remained a safe distance.

Someone could be heard saying “fisherman a come,” before the video cut to a clip showing a number of men tying up the animal.

NEPA has issued repeated advisory warning the public not to provoke crocodiles, if the animals are seen in or near human communities.

Crocodiles are one of Jamaica’s many endangered animal species and are protected by law. Capturing or killing the animal is an offence under the Wild Life Protection Act. Anyone found guilty of this offence are liable to a fine of up to $100,000 or 12 months imprisonment.