A yacare caiman held by a person wearing black gloves.
Share this @internewscast.com

A MASSIVE 3ft crocodile that was spotted swimming in the water sparked chaos among tourists at a popular holiday hotspot in Spain.

Holidaymakers were left in shock after spotting the scaly reptile near a popular bathing spot, the reservoir in Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha.

A yacare caiman held by a person wearing black gloves.
Police are searching for the person who released a 3ft crocodile at a holiday hotspot in SpainCredit: Guardia Civil
A yacare caiman held by gloved hands.
A group of teenagers spotted the animal before it could cause any damageCredit: Guardia Civil
Village of Letur, Spain, nestled in a valley.
The croc was spotted in Albacete, Castilla la Mancha, SpainCredit: Getty

The reptile was luckily seen by two teenagers and captured by cops before it could cause any harm.

The Guardia Civil is now probing who may have released the animal into the Spanish reservoir.

The nature protection service (Seprona) originally thought the reptile was an alligator but later identified it as a yacare caiman.

This species is a member of a crocodile family usually found in Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia.

The creature was captured using bait by Seprona officers, in partnership with an environmental team, members of the fishing club, and staff from the Albacete wildlife recovery centre.

Since its capture, the croc has been sent to Madrid Zoo.

It was found in a regular bathing area, located near a jetty.

The Civil Guard of Albacete has launched an investigation to identify the person who may have illegally released the animal into the reservoir.

The possession and release of exotic species without a permit constitutes a serious infringement of wildlife conservation regulations.

It may also be treated as an environmental crime.

Horror moment tourist savaged by crocodile after climbing into cage for pics

A local environmental agency commented: “This type of irresponsible release poses a serious threat to local biodiversity and can lead to safety issues.”

The harrowing discovery has sparked fear in the nearby area.

Many locals and tourists have reportedly said they are now scared of swimming in public lakes and reservoirs.

The yacare caiman can reach a length of one and a half metres as an adult.

Due to its mottled skin it is highly sought after by the footwear industry.

However, the species is protected under legislation as it is listed in the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora.

Cops believe the main line of investigation is that this caiman ended up in Spain through the illegal pet trade.

Yacare caimans breed in the summer, and its diet usually consists of fish, crustaceans, snails and other molluscs.

But it is also capable of capturing other reptiles and small mammals in cases of extreme hunger.

In April, a dopey tourist was filmed being savaged by a 15ft crocodile after climbing into the reptile’s cage to snap some selfies.

The 29-year-old male visitor pulled the stunt in front of horrified onlookers in the Philippines after mistaking the cold-blooded beast for a statue.

And earlier this month, an influencer was seen wrestling a deadly croc, sparking widespread outrage.

Alarming footage showed 27-year-old Colton Macaulay pulling the exotic animal out of the water before parading it and calling it a “little b****” to his 15 million followers online.

A caiman in a carrier being transported by environmental officers near a crocodile cave.
Cops said the crocodile could have caused harm if it was not captured in timeCredit: Guardia Civil
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
2 people, dog found dead inside Neptune Beach home: police

Two Individuals and a Dog Discovered Deceased in Neptune Beach Residence, Authorities Report

First Coast News reports the presence of multiple police vehicles currently stationed…
Riverdale Amber Alert Illinois today: Police searching for kidnapping suspect Austin Bell, 4 kids, stolen car silver Acura MDX

Urgent Amber Alert: Search Underway for Suspect and 4 Missing Children in Stolen Silver Acura MDX in Riverdale, Illinois

In Riverdale, Illinois, authorities are actively searching for a suspect accused of…
Nearly 80K sauna blankets recalled after dozens of burn injuries reported

Urgent Recall Alert: Over 80,000 Sauna Blankets Recalled Due to Burn Injury Risks

In an important safety notice, Lifepro Fitness has announced the recall of…
Can AI keep students motivated, or does it do the opposite?

Unlocking Student Potential: How AI Transforms Motivation in the Classroom

Imagine a student employing a writing assistant fueled by a generative AI…
Company recalls 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky that may contain metal wire

Urgent Recall: 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Over Metal Wire Contamination Concerns

A South Dakota-based company has issued a recall for over 2.2 million…
ICE, CBP seize 400 firearms hidden in fake trailer walls at southern border crossing

ICE and CBP Uncover 400 Firearms Concealed in False Trailer Walls at Southern Border Checkpoint

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In Laredo, Texas, a father and son have been…
'I am not done': Kamala Harris hints at another White House bid

Kamala Harris Teases 2024 White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’ Signals Potential Presidential Campaign

In a recent interview with the BBC, former Vice President Kamala Harris…
Chicago CTA riders deal with weekend work halting trains on elevated Loop tracks on Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines

Weekend CTA Maintenance Disrupts Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Line Services in Chicago’s Loop

In an unexpected twist for many Chicago commuters, the CTA announced a…
Warfare expert calls Gaza rebuilding plan 'Disneyland strategy' to defeat Hamas

Warfare Expert Criticizes Gaza Rebuilding Strategy as ‘Disneyland Approach’ in Hamas Conflict Resolution

As the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza holds steady, a novel proposal to…
Hormel recalls 4.8M pounds of frozen chicken after multiple metal contamination reports

Hormel Initiates Recall of 4.8 Million Pounds of Frozen Chicken Due to Metal Contamination Concerns

Hormel Foods has chosen to withdraw several of its frozen chicken offerings…
Carjacking victim arrested after allegedly shooting boy breaking into his car during Atlanta confrontation

Atlanta Carjacking Twist: Victim Faces Charges After Shooting Alleged Teenage Thief

An Atlanta man found himself in handcuffs after allegedly shooting a teenager…
GIF of agents clashing with protesters in Portland at an ICE facility

Protesters Captured on Video Clashing with Federal Officers at Portland ICE Facility, Leading to Arrests

A woman was taken into custody outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs…