Three-foot-long mystery reptile found at New Jersey shore

Exotic animal experts in Ocean Gate, N.J. will today test a reptile found on a local street early yesterday morning to determine its species, according to a report from the Asbury Park Press.

A police patrolman found the three-foot-long reptile yesterday while responding to a call shortly after midnight. Berkeley Animal Control Supervisor John Bober told the paper that it looks like “it could be” a crocodile, but officials have asked exotic animal experts – a pet shop owner and a rehabilitation worker – to weigh in.

Another animal control official reportedly said the animal isn’t full-grown, but with a such a creature “roaming loose” in a residential neighborhood, “the dangers are still inherent.” New Jersey residents must have a permit or license to own crocodiles.