Police call turns up big alligator in Southwest Missouri basement

[proud2BlibKansan]

The Associated Press
CARTHAGE, Mo. | Zookeepers were called in to help when police discovered a man-sized alligator in the basement of a Carthage home.

Police found the American alligator while responding to a call about an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday. ????

The Carthage animal control officer called two zookeepers from Springfield’s Dickerson Park Zoo, about 60 miles away.

They covered the alligator’s eyes with a towel, taped its mouth shut and carried it upstairs.

The 6½-foot alligator is being housed by the Carthage Humane Society while authorities look for a permanent home.

One zookeeper said that because the American alligator was taken off the endangered-species list in 1987, it has become common to sell the babies in pet stores and outdoor markets.

http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/568124.html

[BOSSHOG]

1. They are surviving fairly well in South Arkansas

and down here (South Mississippi) they are a dime a dozen so to speak. During the summer months, they are roadkill along the interstates which are located close to swamps and bayous. They don't fare too well against 18-wheelers.

[TomInTib]

2. That basement must've smelled to high heaven.

My sister had a neighbor who kept a 17 foot long 'gator in this big old tub under his carport. That thing could foul some water. I believe that it was the biggest alligator ever taken alive in Texas.