On Dec. 10, Yonkers officers found two baby crocodilians inside a home while carrying out an unrelated arrest. NYSDEC confiscated the animals, issued multiple tickets for illegal possession, and moved them to a licensed facility. Licensed reptile owner Mark Perpetua later took custody of the animals and identified them as a Morelet's crocodile, which can reach about 9 feet, and a dwarf caiman, which grows to roughly 5 feet. The larger animal shows some marks and is missing part of its tail.
Two Baby Crocodilians Seized During Yonkers Arrest — Morelet’s Croocile And Dwarf Caiman Placed With Licensed Keeper
ny.govNYSDEC officer with two baby crocodiles found at a home in Westchester County in New York
On Dec. 10, officers executing an unrelated arrest in a Yonkers, Westchester County, home discovered two juvenile crocodilians, authorities said. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) had received a report alleging someone in the city was keeping reptiles without the required license or permit, and NYSDEC and Yonkers Police Department (YPD) responded.
ny.govNYSDEC officer with two baby crocodiles found at a home in Westchester County in New York
According to a NYSDEC press release, the two animals were confiscated and transferred to a properly licensed facility. NYSDEC officers issued multiple tickets to the homeowner for illegally possessing reptiles. The Yonkers Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mark Perpetua's Reptile Encounters/facebookTwo crocodiles confiscated from New York home
Licensed reptile owner and local conservationist Mark Perpetua confirmed on social media that the animals were later placed in his care. In a Dec. 16 Facebook post he said both animals appear healthy, although the larger animal has visible marks and is missing about half of its tail.
The two little crocodilians confiscated in Yonkers came today. They both look healthy, although the croc has a few marks and is missing half its tail.
Species, Size and Origin
Perpetua identified one specimen as a Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), a species native to Mexico, Belize and parts of Guatemala that can grow to roughly 9 feet in length. The second, smaller animal was described as a smooth-front caiman or dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus), native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins and typically reaching about 5 feet.
Legal Context and Next Steps
Perpetua noted that New York law requires a special license to keep any of the state’s 27 crocodilian species. Authorities say the animals have been moved to a properly licensed facility while enforcement and any further investigations continue.
