Croc and awe! Sharp-toothed visitor found at Somerset lake
AT A picturesque lake in the height of summer, you might expect a few visitors from overseas – but maybe not quite like this. The caiman – a close relative of alligators and crocodiles – was spotted at Chew Valley reservoir in Somerset, clambering out of the water and basking in the sunshine. Using a net, staff at Bristol Water caught the 2ft reptile, which is native to South and Central America, and managed to put it into a box. It is unknown how the exotic reptile, which can grow up to 16ft long, ended up at the lake. John Harris, of Bristol Water Fisheries, said: ‘Its mouth was open and it was hissing but I don’t think it was dangerous. We’ve found terrapins in the past, but to see a reptile like this is very surprising.’ Experts believe the reptile is a caiman, native to South America and one of the biggest predators in the Amazon. The RSPCA collected the reptile yesterday to take it to a specialist facility in London. A spokesman said: ‘We don’t believe that caimans should be kept as pets. The animal may grow very large, live for a long time, become aggressive and can be dangerous.’