A juvenile crocodile discovered in a park has been safely captured by reptile experts.
About 4.30pm on Saturday 28 February 2026, officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Federal Park, Wallsend, following reports a crocodile was found in a waterway in the park.
Police attended and found a juvenile crocodile in the water.
Attending police formed a perimeter around the pond to prevent the reptile escaping and keep onlookers at a safe distance.
It is unknown how long the crocodile had been in the water or how it arrived there.
About 8.30pm, animal handling specialists from a reptile park were called in to retrieve the animal, with assistance from SES; however, efforts were unsuccessful that night.
The replite specialists returned again today (Sunday 1 March 2026) and were able to safely capture the animal.
There were no injuries and no further crocodiles have been located in the area.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
