Crocodile Captured in New Haven as Garbage Crisis Worsens

Kingston, Jamaica – Residents of New Haven in St Andrew captured a large crocodile on Wednesday, raising concerns over the growing pile-up of garbage in the area’s gully. The reptile, measuring nearly 11 feet, appeared in a neighbor’s backyard after reportedly swimming into the community earlier in the day.

The blocked gully, now filled with stagnant water and rubbish, has become a breeding ground for crocodiles, residents say. Plastic bottles and other waste have completely halted water flow, creating an environment conducive to wildlife appearances and health issues, including mosquito infestations.

The trash build-up has been a long-standing problem, exacerbated by residents and outsiders using the gully as a dumping site. The accumulation dates back to before Hurricane Beryl in July last year, with little improvement since. Despite occasional cleaning efforts near a local plaza, many parts of the gully remain neglected, causing flooding during rainfall and forcing residents to take longer routes to bypass impassable footbridges.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) responded to the incident and cautioned residents against harming wildlife, emphasizing the crocodiles are drawn to the gully because of the stagnant, garbage-filled water. NEPA also urged residents to stop dumping waste and to report future animal sightings.

Residents expressed frustration over the lack of sustained intervention, with one resident describing the gully’s condition as “a disgrace.” The community continues to call for immediate action to address the environmental and safety concerns caused by the gully’s worsening state.