(AP) -- Roseville Police captured a 4-foot-long crocodile Wednesday near a TJ Maxx store in a strip mall.
A police spokeswoman says the animal apparently escaped from a box left in front of a reptile shop with a note identifying the animal as a "Nile Crocodile." The note also asked that someone "call rescue."
Authorities say the crocodile was feisty but had duct tape wrapped around its jaws.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is now looking for a zoo or other facility to take it. California bans ownership of crocodiles.
Nile crocodiles can grow up to 20 feet, officials say.
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