Sifis, the elusive crocodile that had become something of an attraction since he was first spotted last July at the area of the Rivers’ Dam near Rethimno, Crete, unfortunately didn’t make it through the harsher than usual winter.

The famous ‘Cretan Croc’ was found dead on Sunday, floating on the waters near the dam, according to www.goodnet.gr

The legendary crocodile, who had managed to elude captors for many months in a row, was often seen basking in the sunshine on the riverbank.

However, for the last month and a half, Sifis was nowhere to be seen and the locals had started to worry about their exotic “neighbor”.

Unfortunately, their worst fears were confirmed when Sifis’ legendary tale came to a sad ending.

Today, Herpetologist Peter Liberakis along with representatives from the Organization for the Development of Crete, the Forestry Department and the Museum of Natural History arrived at the area to retrieve the dead animal.

According to reports, Sifis will be transferred to the museum of natural history where an autopsy will be performed, as it may help answer questions about the origins and the life of this unique animal — fro Crete — that ended up so far away from its natural habitat.