An alligator that had been on the lam for several months has finally been rescued from a chilly Massachusetts river.
Avid angler Jeremy White, of Agawam, saved the 4-foot gator from the cold Westfield River this week, according to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
The alligator had likely been kept illegally as a pet, said officials who believe it was either intentionally released or escaped.
“There have been several unsuccessful attempts over the last several months to find and capture this animal,” MassWildlife said in a statement.
“We are grateful for Jeremy’s efforts, as this 4-foot cold-blooded reptile would not have survived the cold Massachusetts winter,” MassWildlife added.
The gator appeared to be in good condition. The Massachusetts Environmental Police took the gator into custody, and it was later transported to a licensed reptile rescue organization that provides conservation education programs.
MassWildlife reminded people that there are “strict laws” for keeping wildlife as pets in Massachusetts.
“This helps protect both people and animals from harm,” MassWildlife said.
People are not allowed to have any crocodilian species in their possession in Massachusetts. This includes alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gavials.
