dang
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida park became the scene of a deadly animal attack, Saturday afternoon, after, wildlife officials said, a crocodile snatched and killed a pit bull mix at a golf course in Key Biscayne.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a Key Biscayne resident was riding her bicycle at Crandon Golf as the family dog followed behind her without a leash. At around 3 p.m., the large reptile that was just under the surface in a retention pond came up and captured the 25-pound canine from the water's edge. "Unfortunately, she was not walking the dog leashed and was walking behind the golf course and the tennis court," said FWC spokesperson Lorenzo Veloz.
Local marine biologist Gerard Loisel told 7News the dog was clearly too close to the pond. "You're surrounded by saltwater, and so this is where you expect to see crocodiles," he said.
Loisel said he is still shocked by the attack, indicating crocodiles usually shy away from noise and people. "They're shy, timid. It's hard to approach them, but they can present a problem," he said.
The aftermath of the attack was recorded on cellphone video. FWC followed the crocodile for an extended period of time, but it did not release the dog.
Golfers at the Crandon Park course were disturbed by the attack, which was captured in a grisly photograph by FWC officials. "I know crocodiles can be vicious," said Mark Mendelblatt.
"Oh, my God. That is horrible," said Nicole Stoneman as she looked at the graphic image.
The predator, said Veloz, is a federally protected animal. "Usually these crocodiles have an abundance of food in the Key Biscayne area. They eat raccoons, possums," he said.
Officials advise pet owners who frequent local waterways that crocodiles call home to always use a leash. "This croc, like several others, are located in the Key Biscayne area, and they are there, so you do have to pay attention," said Veloz.
The large reptiles are an unfamiliar sight for golfer Mateusz Kusznierewicz, who is visiting from Poland. "In our streets, there are no crocodiles walking around, so it's scary, actually," he said.
Other golfers told 7News they do their best to keep their distance from crocodiles. "I told my friend, 'Just tell me if this animal is moving,' because I have respect for these animals. They are still animals," said Stoneman.
Trappers who came to the golf course determined that the crocodile involved in the attack is scared of people, so it will not be relocated.
FWC officials said the crocodile may have initially planned to store the dog's body underwater.
http://www.wsvn.com/story/30625921/crocodile-kills-pit-bull-mix-at-key-biscayne-golf-course
