Crocodile blamed for dog deaths relocated

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A large crocodile accused of eating three dogs in Coral Gables, Fla., has been relocated to a new area after being caught, state wildlife officials say.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said this week that the American crocodile dubbed Pancho was caught and relocated for a second time, following the dogs' deaths, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel said Thursday.

The 10-foot, 7-inch crocodile was first caught 21 months ago and relocated to Biscayne Bay, only to return to the Coral Gables area, commission crocodile response coordinator Lindsey Hord said.

Experts predict the federally protected animal will likely use area canals to return to the Florida city in the future.

If that occurs and the reptile is once again captured by wildlife officials, the commission said Pancho will be removed from the wild entirely.

Commission officials told the Sun-Sentinel Pancho could end up the property of a private owner or a zoo if such a situation arises.