Mail Order Crocodile; Valentine's Day Surprise

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February 14, 2007 3:45 PM

U.S. Postal Service workers at New York's JFK International Airport intercepted an unusual Valentine's Day package, a 12-inch baby crocodile.  Officials say the croc was seen rummaging around a bin of holiday mail after presumably escaping its shipping container. 

According to U.S. Postal Inspector Al Weissmann, there is nothing illegal about sending a crocodile through the mail.

"It was simply a lizard without proper postage! If it is under two feet, it is mailable," he said.

Stephanie Bell, a cruelty case worker for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), told ABC News she is not surprised by the crocodile in the post.   

"We get numerous complaints every year. Once there was a four-foot alligator found in a Milwaukee post office.  It is inhumane, and we would like to see laws passed that ban the shipping of live animals," Bell said.   

Postal workers captured the animal with help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents who removed it from the area. 

The postal facility is up and running as usual today and is ready to receive and transfer all  Valentine's Day gifts and packages,  no matter what species.