Two area deer hunters recently got a bit of a surprise, not by taking a trophy deer but by nabbing an American Alligator. The two were tracking a deer when one of them spotted the creature on the bank of a northern Rush County waterway.

After the alligator alerted to their presence it quickly made its way into the water. After a few moments the two hunters spotted it under the water and one was able to grab it by the tail and toss it onto the bank. The alligator later measured in at 37 inches, not a monster but still able to inflict a nasty bite if given the opportunity.

Alligators and other species of crocodilian are not able to survive Midwestern winters but may survive through our warmer weather as long as food is available and they are able to elude predation.

The mere possession of small alligators is not prohibited by law, with many being bought and sold through the commercial pet trade. When they are 5 feet in length or over, a state inspection of the facility and the animal must be done by Indiana Conservation Officers prior to the required permit being issued.

The matter is being investigated by Conservation officers. It is not yet known if the alligator had been a pet and escaped or was put into the waterway when it became unwanted by its owner(s). It is illegal to release exotic animals into the wild. Anyone with information about the origin of or release of this alligator is encouraged to relay the information to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources tip line at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (847-4367).

This may be done anonymously.