Police Officer Tries to Restrain Crocodile With Towel

A police officer in Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia, tried to subdue a two-meter long freshwater crocodile with nothing more than a large towel.

Local resident Jasmine Bedford captured video shortly after 2 am on Thursday, January 26, showing the crocodile on a sidewalk. Bedford’s footage shows a Western Australia (WA) police officer throw a towel over the crocodile’s head, causing the reptile to snap violently.

According to reports, WA Police, shire rangers, and local Aboriginal rangers then tried using equipment meant for catching stray dogs, which proved ineffective.

After several failed attempts, officers sought the assistance of a local volunteer wildlife expert. The volunteer was able to successfully tranquilize the crocodile.

“Once safe to do so, the crocodile was secured and transported to a river system where it would normally live,” WA Police said.

“The crocodile was monitored as it recovered from being tranquilized and was observed to return to its natural habitat.” Credit: Jasmine Bedford via Storyful

Video transcript

[CAR ENGINE SOUND]

[INAUDIBLE]

[CAR ENGINE SOUND]

- Did you record that?

[LAUGHS]

[CAR ENGINE SOUND]

[INAUDIBLE]

[CAR ENGINE SOUND]

- Did you record that?

[LAUGHS]

[CAR ENGINE SOUND]

[INAUDIBLE]

[CAR ENGINE SOUND]

- Did you record that?