Sneaky crocodile evades officials in Miami

SOUTH MIAMI, Fla. (WSVN) -- A crocodile seen near an elementary school and on people's lawn furniture sneaks away again.

It's about 9-feet long and Florida Fish & Wildlife said they've trapped it and taken it away but for some reason, the murky water in a neighborhood lake seemed to be it's sweet spot.

The crocodile set himself on the shores of a South Miami canal.

"The first time we saw it we didn't really know what it was," said James, a child that lives in the area.

With good reason, because as soon as the creature sinks in to the water he turns nearly invisible. And really experts say the crocs are a shy and retiring breed.

"He doesn't really cause any havoc," says a wild life expert. "Crocodiles are very reclusive, they just want to be left alone. They're smart and they're fast but that's about it. They're not going to come after you."

Of course, neighbors don't want it to get any closer than a steal gate. And James is keeping his cat Mystique tucked inside.

"Your pets however are in danger if you're not locking them up," said the animal expert.

"There was about 13 baby ducks, and now were down to two," said a neighbor. "So he's eating them, definitely."

Wildlife officials caged this same croc just a few blocks away on Jul. 25. The number 7 tag on his tail flags the reptiles identity and they put magnets on it's snout.

But number 7 found his way back to his comfort zone now.

"I feel like I'm in the Everglades," said a neighbor. "Because we've seen so much wildlife be destroyed."

Florida Fish & Wildlife said that to be safe, don't swim in the canal water. Also they said that dawn and dusk are the hours when crocs look to feed. They said if humans start to feed them, they get used to the behavior and become a problem.

Wildlife officials said they'll continue to watch the area but if the crocodile becomes a problem, then they will try to trap it again and take it to a sanctuary.