A crocodile entered a South Miami backyard on Thursday, Aug. 27, and killed a family's 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd, prompting police to warn residents near canals across the Coral Gables area.

Enrique Pomares told WPLG Local 10 he let his three dogs outside around 8 a.m., as he does each morning. The crocodile entered the property from a nearby canal and attacked Kygo, the larger dog.

Pomares said he spent about 10 minutes trying to fend off the animal, throwing a kayak into the water to distract it. The crocodile killed Kygo and dragged him toward the canal.

"Then he started coming towards me and at that point, all bets were off," Pomares said.

He said the crocodile returned with the dog in its mouth "like (a) trophy to show it to me." Pomares said he has seen crocodiles in the canal while kayaking but that they had not previously bothered anyone.

South Miami Police detectives and a sergeant investigated the incident. The department issued a public warning urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution and keep children and pets away from canals, waterways and ponds where a crocodile may be present.

Police also warned the public not to approach, feed, harass or attempt to capture crocodiles, which are protected under Florida and federal law. Residents were urged to share the warning with neighbors, particularly pet owners who live or walk near waterways.

Why it matters for Coral Gables residents

Canals and drainage corridors serve as wildlife movement corridors throughout the area, including Coral Gables and Pinecrest, according to a Coral Gables Gazette report earlier this year. Coral Gables coordinated with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on wildlife safety after coyote sightings near those same corridors.

The FWC notes that American crocodiles have recently moved inland into freshwater areas of southeast Florida. Since 1975, the population has grown from fewer than 300 to more than 2,000 adults, according to the FWC.

The commission recommends keeping pets leashed and children away from the water's edge. Crocodiles are most active from dusk to dawn, and the FWC advises swimming only in designated areas during daylight hours. Feeding crocodiles is illegal and can cause them to associate people with food.

Residents with concerns about a crocodile in their area can contact the FWC at 866-392-4286.