October 18, 2025 | Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Derbyshire Police have solved the mystery behind a crocodile that startled residents after being discovered floating in a canal earlier this week. The bizarre find caused alarm among locals and prompted a rapid police and wildlife response, with officers initially unsure whether the reptile was real.
Authorities were called to the scene near the Erewash Canal after reports of what appeared to be a small crocodile partially submerged in the water. The discovery led to speculation across social media, with residents warning others to stay away from the area until officials could verify the situation.
After a careful inspection, police confirmed that the crocodile was in fact a highly realistic model, not a living animal. The replica had been weighted down with stones and partially filled with water, giving it a lifelike appearance. According to officers, it may have been placed in the canal as a prank or an abandoned prop from a local film project.
In a statement released on Saturday, a Derbyshire Police spokesperson said, “We can confirm that the crocodile found in the canal is not real. Our officers retrieved it safely and have since traced its origin. It appears to have been part of a community art display that was removed without permission and dumped in the water.”
Residents expressed both relief and amusement at the outcome. “When I saw it, my heart skipped a beat,” said local resident Jane Miller. “It looked so real that I didn’t dare get close. I’m just glad it wasn’t actually alive.”
The police have now closed the investigation but have reminded the public to report any suspicious or unusual sightings in local waterways. Wildlife officers added that the UK’s cold climate makes it impossible for crocodiles to survive outdoors, ruling out the possibility of an escaped exotic pet.
The incident quickly went viral online, with hundreds of users sharing photos and joking about the “Derbyshire crocodile.” Some even suggested the model should be displayed permanently as part of a local attraction.
