Crocodile may have been swimming star

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C., June 8 (UPI) -- A crocodile captured in Isle of Palms may actually have swum to the South Carolina city from Florida, natural resources officials say.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources official Steve Bennett said the 6-foot aquatic reptile, thought to be an American crocodile, could easily have traveled miles up the Atlantic Coast from the Everglades in southern Florida to Isle of Palms, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier reported Saturday.

"It's not as ludicrous as you think. These are crocodile. They are not American alligators. These are saltwater animals," Bennett said.

"Swimming a mile or two off the coast is nothing for a crocodile."

The crocodile was captured Thursday near a pier after managing to avoid trappers for weeks. Sgt. James Ryan of the Isle of Palms Police said residents were advised to stay clear of the potentially dangerous reptile.

"It's the same as when one turns up on the golf course -- 'Guess what? You better let him play through, because he belongs there and you don't,'" Ryan said.

The crocodile is protected under endangered species laws and would likely either be taken to an alligator park or a Florida preserve rather than be put down, The Post and Courier said.