Urban legend croc surfaces in South Korean city, raising exotic pet concerns

A chilling echo of urban legends has surfaced in South Korea with the discovery of an 80-centimeter Siamese crocodile, an internationally endangered species, in the Soyangcheon stream in Yeoju city. The crocodile, identified as a Class 1 CITES-listed species, was transferred to the National Institute of Ecology.

The owner claimed to have purchased the crocodile for 1.2 million won (approximately $870 USD) via an online reptile trading forum and received it via delivery. The crocodile reportedly disappeared after being placed in the yard for sunbathing, with the owner denying any intention of abandoning it. This incident brings to mind the 1980 film 'Alligator,' which was inspired by urban myths of crocodiles growing to monstrous sizes in sewers after being flushed down toilets.

Adding to the concern, authorities are investigating a report of a Nile monitor lizard sighting near Gwanggyo Hongjae Library in Suwon city. Firefighters and city officials searched the area, including waterways and dense vegetation, but failed to locate the reptile. The Nile monitor lizard, a Class 2 endangered species, can grow up to 2 meters long and possesses a powerful bite. A local resident mentioned losing a pet Nile monitor lizard about a month prior, potentially identifying the escaped animal.

These discoveries underscore a broader issue: the illegal trade of endangered exotic species. Recently, a group involved in smuggling and distributing Siamese crocodiles and Nile monitor lizards was indicted. Prosecutors revealed that the smugglers communicated with sellers in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand via social media, concealing the animals' mouths with tape and shipping them as luggage or even carrying them in underwear to evade customs. The animals often died from extreme stress during transit. Experts emphasize the need for enhanced quarantine measures at airports and ports, alongside stricter enforcement against illegal trade, to combat this lucrative but dangerous market. Ultimately, the problem often stems from impulse purchases driven by curiosity, leading to abandonment when owners lose interest or face practical challenges.