Persons found in possession of a crocodile or any part of a crocodile may be found guilty in a Resident Magistrate's Court, and fined up to $100,000 or 12 months imprisonment, or both.

The National Environment and Planning Agency is, therefore, asking persons to report any animals that they may see outside of their natural habitats and in unusual places.

Tel: 754-7540; 1-888-991-5005.

Jamaicans are being warned to avoid known crocodile habitats such as swamps, river courses and other wetlands, as the reptiles, which are endangered, are still in their nesting season which runs until the end of August. As such, they may behave in an aggressive manner if they are disturbed or attacked.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says the animals will be seen more frequently in such places as drains, gullies and along roadways and will attack if they feel that their young or their habitats are threatened.

NEPA has issued this warning on the heels of the start of the hurricane season on June 1 and recent incidents where persons have attempted to capture crocodiles.

Protected

The animals often venture away from their habitats to find dry areas to bask. NEPA is warning individuals not to attempt to corner or capture them. Crocodiles, like many other animals, are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act which stipulates that they should not be "captured, traded or paid for".