NEPA Working To Resolve Crocodile Menace In Bridgeport Canal, Portmore, St.Catherine

June 25, 2015

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is issuing an advisory to members of the public to exercise caution in the vicinity of the Bridgeport canal in St. Catherine as a result of reports of a crocodile sighting in the area. The crocodile was seen periodically over the last two weeks.

NEPA is reporting that on Tuesday, June 23, in partnership with a team from the Urban Development Corporation an attempt was made to capture and relocate the crocodile without success. The teams will however make another attempt on Friday, June 26, 2015 to capture the animal and move it to a more remote location.

Over the past year, the animal has been captured and relocated twice.

The Agency is also reminding the public not to molest or attempt to catch the animal as these actions are dangerous and also constitute a violation under the Wild Life Protection Act.

NEPA and the UDC will be visiting the Bridgeport Police Youth Club on Saturday June 27 at 7:00 p.m. to sensitize the community about crocodiles.

The public is urged to call NEPA at 1-888-991-5005 or 754-7540 if crocodiles are seen in areas outside of their natural habitat where they may pose a threat to human activities or if they are being harassed or harmed. Reports may also be made to 119 or the nearest police station.