PREBLE COUNTY, OH (WDTN) – A 7-foot crocodile was found in a creek in Preble County Wednesday, the Preble County Sheriff’s Department confirms.

Crocodile found in Preble County (Rich Denius/Hilltop Equestrian)

The reptile was found in Bantas Creek in West Alexandria Wednesday night by a children’s group from Hilltop Equestrian.

Rich Denius was leading the children’s nature group S.O.W.E.R.S. in the Hilltop woods where it happened. Denius says he gives Jesus all the glory for protecting the kids.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources was called to the scene and neutralized the crocodile. Ohio DNR and the Department of Agriculture are handling the case.