Crocodile found at Doncaster dog park
The discovery of a freshwater crocodile in a Melbourne park has baffled wildlife officials.
The 1.2 metre crocodile was found in long grass off a track near a small pond at Ruffey Lake Park at Doncaster on Monday afternoon.
Wildlife photographer Andrew Wallis made the unusual discovery and reported it to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI).
"I've found a lot of things in wetlands and that was not on my list," he told the ABC
"I could just smell this pungent odour and assumed someone had caught a fish and left it to rot," he said.
"Low and behold it was a crocodile."
Mr Wallis, who was walking through the park looking for rare birds when he stumbled upon the dead animal, said he found it near a fox den and its feet had been chewed.
Freshwater crocodiles can grow up to three metres in length and generally live in the Northern Territory.
DEPI officer Bryan Welch said it was likely the crocodile had been dumped at the lake or someone had kept it as a pet and tried to release it into the Yarra River.
"It's an offence to release it into the wild," Mr Welch said.
"They don't occur here naturally. It's probably a bit too cold for them. There wouldn't be much for them to eat either."
Anyone with information is asked to call 136 186.
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