TWO ALLIGATOR STORIES FROM 2022-12-20

IDAHO – Sounds like an old tyme dirt farmer said “I’d a hoe” when he started out. But I digress.

Brian Marek of the Idaho Department of Fish & Game received an unusual call on Friday, October 20 at 8:30 pm from a dog walker who came across a loose alligator during an outting. He apparently went to investigate a commotion in the nearby brush and came upon the reptile. Officials are wondering how this 3.5-foot alligator came to the Gem State; specifically to SE First Avenue south of New Plymouth which is just to the east of the Idaho-Oregon border.

Apparently there was a horse trailer nearby and the dog walker evidently unphased by the dental work loaded the alligator while awaiting state officials to pick it up on October 21, 2022.

“In all likelihood this alligator got loose from someone and we are interested in finding the owner,” said Regional Conservation Officer Matt O’Connell. “Without the proper permits it is illegal to possess alligators, or any crocodilians, and it is illegal to release any into the wild.”

SUPPORT ALLIGATOR – Really?

Emotional support animals have received much attention of late. It is fascinating how these animals are able to assist us in a multitude of ways. Apparently among the varied list are a peacock and a squirrel. How about an alligator?

Wally the Alligator, on a leash, paid a visit to LOVE Park in Philadelphia one Friday for a ‘meet & greet’ apparently as part of his efforts to win America’s Favourite Pet Animal Kingdom prize. Joie Henney, from nearby York, said that Wally has made headlines before for being an emotional support animal that has brought comfort to senior centres and minor league baseball games.

And ‘they’ used to say, “Only in England!”