Me and a couple friends were out tonight herping and came across a 2 1/2 foot alligator that had a somewhat large fishing hook going through it's left leg from one side and out the other just under the lower skin. We didn't have any tools on hand and had to drive the gator over to a nearby friends house to cut off the rounded end of the hook so that the straight part could be pulled out. Once the hook was out neither side of the arm bled and the gator had full movement and no apparent injuries to it's leg, other than of course the holes. The gator looked quite fat too so it didn't seem to have trouble getting food so we released it in the same spot where it was found. Being about midnight when we found it calling the game warden or a vet was pretty much out of the question. But what I am wondering is could this possibly lead to problems for the gator down the road, does it need to be deeply cleaned out or anything to prevent infection?
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Alligator with fishing hook through arm
Replies (1)
Crocodilians through scuffles with other animals are used to open wounds and such. They have a natural antibiotic in their blood which helps them to fight off infections. I would say that you did the gator a huge favor, and he will be just fine. A job well done!
Chris
>>Me and a couple friends were out tonight herping and came across a 2 1/2 foot alligator that had a somewhat large fishing hook going through it's left leg from one side and out the other just under the lower skin. We didn't have any tools on hand and had to drive the gator over to a nearby friends house to cut off the rounded end of the hook so that the straight part could be pulled out. Once the hook was out neither side of the arm bled and the gator had full movement and no apparent injuries to it's leg, other than of course the holes. The gator looked quite fat too so it didn't seem to have trouble getting food so we released it in the same spot where it was found. Being about midnight when we found it calling the game warden or a vet was pretty much out of the question. But what I am wondering is could this possibly lead to problems for the gator down the road, does it need to be deeply cleaned out or anything to prevent infection?
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