A British wildlife expert has told how he spotted a mythical reptile in a river… only for it to actually be a shoe.
Filmmaker Dom Davies, 38, saw the famous ‘Bristol croc’ – a legendary creature in the city.
The animal has apparently been living in the River Avon since 2014, when it was first spotted by a bus driver.
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Dom saw its ‘head’ protruding from the surface and grabbed his phone to film the momentous occasion.
The clip, posted on 26 April, has been viewed nearly 48,000 times and has over 1,200 likes.
The ‘Bristol Croc’ has never been found but reported sightings continue prompting art installations, a 2023 documentary film, and the creature’s status as a beloved myth and folktale.
“Well I knew the Bristol crocodile was a thing, obviously being a wildlife filmmaker I’ve never believed it,” Dom told Whats The Jam.
“But just for a split second that shoe was pretty convincing.
“It looked just like a spectacled caiman, a South American species I’ve filmed.
“Obviously I didn’t think any alive crocodile would be in that freezing water, and if it was, it would be dead.”
Dom, who claims he knew deep down it wasn’t a “real croc”, still decided to share the video for laughs online.
He said: “You never know what’s going to turn up in a Bristol water way, I’ve seen otters and beavers in there.
“I do want to make it clear though, as a wildlife filmmaker, I knew it wasn’t going to be a real croc.
“It was more for a joke.”
Jamie said: “It actually does look just like a spectacled caiman.”
Lis added: “It’s a trick so the next time you actually see a crocodile you’ll just think it’s a shoe.”
Another person added: “I know where the crocodile lives, though it’s actually an alligator. I have photos.”
Someone else said: “British Loch Ness.”
Another person added: “Plot twist- the shoe is actually a croc.”
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