NEPA renews warning against capturing or harming crocodiles

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is renewing its warning to the public against hunting, killing or possessing crocodiles, emphasising that they are endangered and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Persons should not provoke, hunt, kill, capture and possess or wilfully molest crocodiles as such actions are offences under the Act.

Additionally, these sensitive creatures may become defensive if cornered or attacked.

According to the Act, anyone caught committing these offences could be fined a maximum of $100,000 or face one year of imprisonment.

Persons should note also that in periods of heavy rains, care must be taken to exercise extreme caution in areas close to swamps, rivers, gullies and other known crocodile habitats, as the animals are likely to be displaced during the downpour.

NEPA is therefore urging the public to report crocodile sightings by calling the agency at 876-754-7540 or toll-free at 888-991-5005.

Individuals may also call 119 or make a report to the nearest police station.

Persons can also make reports via the agency's social media webpages on Instagram, X and Facebook @nepajamaica.

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