Alicante caiman hunt continues as public urged to stay away from river
The exotic reptile was first spotted on July 11 in Sax and specialist teams are still trying to track it down
The hunt for a small caiman spotted in Alicante province is still under way, with police urging residents to stay vigilant and keep away from the riverbank until the reptile is found.
Officers from Sax Local Police are continuing the search alongside the Guardia Civil's Nature Protection Service, Seprona, after the animal was seen on the banks of the Vinalopó River more than 2 weeks ago.
Although the search is ongoing, authorities have stressed there's no significant danger to the public. Even so, they're asking people to continue taking sensible precautions, particularly anyone who regularly walks near the river.
According to Sax mayor Laura Estevan, the caiman was first reported on the evening of Saturday July 11 when a local resident spotted the animal wandering along the riverbed and alerted police. The witness also managed to take photographs, prompting officers to launch a search and warn residents through social media.
Since then, specialist wildlife experts have joined the operation alongside local police and Seprona officers. Investigators are also trying to establish where the exotic reptile came from.
The mayor explained that the sighting caused plenty of interest in the town, but said the warnings were issued as a precaution because many people walk their dogs along the river. She pointed out that people shouldn't be using the riverbed in any case, helping to keep the overall risk low.
Police have issued clear advice for anyone who comes across the caiman. They say people should stay calm, avoid approaching or trying to catch the animal and keep a safe distance at all times.
Anyone who spots the reptile should call Sax Local Police or 112 immediately, giving their exact location. If it's safe to do so, they should keep the animal in sight until officers arrive.
Image: Seprona
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