Crocodile spotted in Shanghai's Huangpu River

A crocodile spotted in Shanghai's Huangpu River over the weekend was roughly identified as a Siamese crocodile, based on the photos and videos posted online, said the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Monday.

The reptile, about 80 centimeters long, was believed to be first spotted last Friday on the bank of the river. Most likely, the animal was freed or has escaped from a farm as China is not the original habitat of the native species, said the commission.

The local police also confirmed that they are trying to capture the animal but still yet to succeed.

Siamese crocodiles would not initiate attacks on human beings unless being threatened. However, citizens are required to pay attention to safety when approaching the water, the police warned.

Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as critically endangered, the freshwater Siamese crocodile was once widespread across Southeast Asia, but disappeared from much of its range by the early 1990s.

Trading or breeding wide crocodiles is not allowed in China although there is a growing trend of keeping exotic animals as pets among the general public. Special permission is required for running crocodile farms.

Also, freeing captive animals in a reckless manner may jeopardize the ecosystem and cause physical injuries, in which whomever responsible would be held accountable.

Zheng Zheng contributed to this story.