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Date Published: 15/07/2026

Exotic reptile spotted on the loose on Alicante riverbank

Police in Sax have launched a search operation after reports of a small caiman near the Vinalopó River

If you're out for a stroll along the Vinalopó River in Sax over the next few days, keep your eyes peeled for something a little more exotic than the usual ducks and herons. Alicante Local Police have reported a possible sighting of "a small caiman" on the riverbank and have launched a full search and capture operation to track it down.

Specialist teams have been called in to verify the sighting and deal with the animal if it's confirmed, but in the meantime, police have taken to social media with some fairly sensible advice for anyone who happens to run into it.

Stay calm, keep your distance and whatever you do, don't try to approach it, catch it or scare it off. If you do spot it, the request is simply to call the Sax Local Police or 112, let them know exactly where you are and keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance if you can.

As a precaution, police are also asking dog walkers to avoid the riverbank for now, at least until the search is finished and it's confirmed the caiman has been removed, something that, as things stand, hasn't happened yet.

"Citizen collaboration is essential to guarantee everyone's safety and facilitate a rapid intervention," Sax Local Police said in a statement.

So if you do spot a small, scaly, uninvited guest by the river, admire it from afar and let the professionals take it from there.

Image: Freepik

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