Stuffed Crocodile Sparks Derbyshire Police Panic

A 3ft crocodile turned a quiet Derbyshire canal into a scene of chaos - but it was all a cheeky fake. Anglers fishing the Trent and Mersey Canal near Mercia Marina in Willington hauled out what looked like a real croc. The creature was left on the towpath between bridge 22 and 22a, sparking fears of a wild beast on the loose in the UK countryside.

A quick-thinking member of the public snapped a pic and alerted Derbyshire Constabulary. Officers rushed to the scene only to find the 'crocodile' missing - and confusion mounting.

Police Launch "Strangest Appeal Ever" Over Fake Croc Sighting

Police described the search as their "strangest appeal ever" after contacting the Canal and River Trust for backup. Concerned for public safety, they warned locals while admitting they weren't "medical professionals" and guessed the croc was probably dead.

"We know this is probably the strangest appeal ever to grace our Facebook page," a police spokesperson said. "Yes, you read that correctly... a crocodile! We're going to go out on a limb and guess this little guy isn't native to Derbyshire."

Fisherman Cracks Mystery: It's Just a Stuffed Croc Filled with Hay

Within 24 hours, a fisherman provided the answer - the croc was actually a stuffed taxidermy prop, stuffed with hay, accidentally caught during fishing and left on the towpath.

Derbyshire police broke the news with humour: "Derbyshire Crocodile Mystery Solved. While it gave us all a bit of a surprise, it turns out this one was more fluff than fear."

They thanked the public for their support and jokingly warned: "Keep your eyes peeled. You never know what might turn up next."

Why Real Crocs Are No Joke - And Never from UK Waters

Crocodiles are not native to Britain. These fierce predators come from tropical hotspots like Australia, India, and Africa. The initial panic raised questions about illegal exotic pet dumping - a serious concern for UK waterways.

While this croc was harmless, the incident highlights worries about non-native species being released or abandoned in British canals, posing potential risks to local ecosystems and people.

Deadly Croc Attacks Abroad Show Why Police Took No Chances

Real crocodile attacks are brutal and frequent in their native regions. Recently, a 57-year-old woman was dragged from an Indian river by a massive croc, with horrific footage emerging from locals. Similarly, a father of four suffered a savage attack while bathing with family in Indonesia's Bulete River.

These grim events underline why Derbyshire police were right to treat the sighting seriously - any real croc in British waterways would be a serious public danger.

From Big Cats to Exotic Pets: UK Police Face Weird Wildlife Reports More Often

This odd croc case is just one example of bizarre animal sightings troubling UK forces lately. Police increasingly deal with calls about big cats roaming countryside or exotic pets escaping luxury homes, far from their usual crime-fighting roles.

Despite the comedy ending here, officers acted swiftly and responsibly, keeping canal users safe. Locals near Mercia Marina can relax - no real reptiles lurk in the Trent and Mersey Canal, just a memorable tale to tell.