ST CATHERINE, Jamaica —Following a video in which residents of Portmore, St Catherine, were recorded attempting to capture a crocodile, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising the public that the act is illegal.

The video, which went viral on social media last week, showed several men trying to throw a rope around the animal’s mouth after one was already placed around its tail.

NEPA informed Observer Online that the animal in question was an American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), the species of crocodile native to Jamaica, which is classified as endangered and is protected under the Wild Life Protection Act.

The environmental group said that a team from the agency and the Hope Zoo successfully recovered the crocodile in Portmore.It added that the animal was assessed to be in good health and subsequently relocated to a large wetland area suitable for its release.

The agency disclosed that during the intervention and recovery of the animal, agency officers took the opportunity to sensitise residents who had gathered, reminding them that it is illegal to provoke, hunt, kill, capture, possess, or otherwise molest crocodiles.

The group said such actions are punishable under the Act, with offenders liable to a fine of up to $3 million or three years’ imprisonment.

“Where members of the public encounter crocodiles, they are strongly urged to leave the animal undisturbed and immediately contact NEPA or the Jamaica Constabulary Force to allow trained officers to respond, both for their own safety and the welfare of the animal,” NEPA advised.

The agency noted that the residents captured the animal that was located in a drain, believing they were helping to secure it. It stressed that such actions remain unlawful and pose risks to animal and human safety.

“In practice, NEPA often addresses these situations through community sensitisation rather than immediate prosecution. However, the agency reserves the right to prosecute future instances, particularly where there is clear evidence of abuse or disregard for the law,” NEPA added.

The agency revealed that it welcomed opportunities for increased public awareness and cooperation, and advised that it had been training game wardens in communities where crocodile sightings were frequent, enabling them to assist in public education, protection, and the safe securing of the animals, where they were envisaged to pose a threat.

This network of wardens, it said, would be expanded over time based on recommendations arising from NEPA’s work within local communities.

“The agency continues to rely on public vigilance and reminds citizens to report sightings of crocodiles by calling 876-754-7540, 888-991-5005 (toll-free), or 119 to make a report to the nearest police station. Reports may also be made via NEPA’s official social media platforms (@nepajamaica),” the agency advised.