Three-day reptile terror for town turns out to be child's toy
Authorities in Ladispoli, near Rome, sprang into action after reports of a crocodile floating in the Sanguinara River. Police and animal control officers even deployed drones in an effort to track the supposed reptile.
Photos and videos quickly circulated on social media and in local chat groups, showing what many assumed was a real croc. However, no one seemed to notice the toy was always in the exact same position – and never actually moved. Pic: ladispoli_official/Instagram
The mystery was solved when one local woman revealed to media that the croc was in fact 'a toy we leave here for other children to play with.' She also said that a 'large dinosaur' toy had previously been left in the same area.
Despite the innocent explanation, local officials were far from amused and are now considering legal action for 'causing alarm' — though it remains unclear who they plan to hold responsible.
Earlier this week, Mayor Alessandro Grando had issued a public warning urging residents to be cautious. In a follow-up post shared on Facebook, he admitted the whole thing had been a 'false alarm'.
'After the necessary checks that have been carried out, we can finally confirm that there are no dangerous reptiles in the Sanguinara River,' Mr Grando wrote.
'Although it was an unlikely circumstance, the competent authorities carried out all necessary checks to exclude any potential risk to the public.
'Following investigations, the following emerged: a citizen of Ladispoli declared that she had placed a toy in the playground adjacent to the waterway, matching the photos that have been circulating in recent days, which someone had deliberately placed in the river, causing the chaos that ensued.
'This is reckless behavior that we will pursue with a complaint against unknown persons for causing alarm.
'With this communication, we can finally put this matter to rest, reassuring everyone that there is no risk and that it was just a joke in terrible taste.
'We thank the police, volunteers, and all citizens for their cooperation and patience.'
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