Melbourne man snapped 'walking' pet crocodile on leash deemed a hoax

A peculiar photograph of a man appearing to walk a crocodile in a Melbourne park has been shut down by social media users as a hoax, after the image sparked disbelief.

The picture of the man walking his so-called pet reptile on a leash at Carlton Gardens raised speculation the croc might be a fake, after it was shared to Reddit on Friday morning.

It was safety first, with the croc seen in the picture wearing a muzzle, just in case it became snappy.

"My friend has seen this guy around Fitzroy. He takes his (fake) croc out for walks and will give croc cuddles to passersby," one user wrote.

Others were quick to join in the fun by making jokes about the odd choice of pet - authentic or otherwise.

"That croc works for a nearby law firm. He's a litigator," one Reddior wrote.

"I think I know that guy! He also holds down a second job with the police force, where he's an investigator," one joked.

A third chimed in: "Yep that's him, he moonlights for the cops also as an interrogator."

"Don't forget his important work as a navigator," another added.

It is legal to have a crocodile as a pet in Victoria, however owners require a permit.