KEY LARGO, Fla. — A wounded American crocodile impaled by a spear was captured alive Monday night by Florida wildlife officers after a two-day search.

The crocodile, spotted Saturday near a boat ramp, had a visible head injury. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers used boats and drones to locate it.

“It was definitely intentional,” said Carlos Randin, a local resident. “You could tell by the angle.”

American crocodiles are a federally threatened species, and harming them is illegal.

“We are not going to tolerate it, and they will be brought to justice,” said FWC Officer Liam Rodriguez.

The animal is weak and stressed. Officials are working to assess its injuries and provide care.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.