An American crocodile is recovering at Zoo Miami days after it was found in Key Largo with a spear lodged in its head, wildlife officials said.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, officers were first notified about the 8-foot reptile near mile marker 101 in Monroe County, at around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday.

Responding officers found the animal with a spear, likely from a speargun, embedded in the back of its head, going all the way to the bottom of its jaw.

FWC officers and wildlife professionals from Zoo Miami initially tried to capture the female crocodile for medical care but were unsuccessful.

“She was remarkably still swimming and moving, evading people for three days with a spear sticking out of the back of her head,” said Zoo Miami Assistant Directo

See Full Page