LOWELL SUN (Massachusetts) 28 July 06 Mass. wildlife expert sees N.H. as gator-aid (Nick Brown)
Though Townsend has recovered from last week's large-scaled trespassers, Massachusetts may still have a large-scale problem.
MassWildlife, which oversees and regulates wildlife laws in Massachusetts, said illegal ownership of exotic pets is a concern in the state.
"Massachusetts has some of the strictest wildlife laws in the country," said MassWildlife Assistant Director Tom French, citing as a reason the state's dense population, which increases potential for animal confrontation.
In Massachusetts, owning exotic pets requires a permit, as well as proof that the animals will be used for education or research -- criteria only "about a dozen" Mass residents have met, said French.
But, he estimated, "there are probably 50 or 60 people in the state who own alligators without permits."
And the number may be rising. Increased availability has left customers with more options. The Internet, said French, is one major sales catalyst, but another, more tangible factor lies just miles to the north.
An ongoing investigation by the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) will determine whether charges will be pressed against the owner of the two Townsend alligators, which have been sent to a sanctuary in Florida. The pair of 6-foot-long alligators with their mouths taped had reportedly escaped from the owner. One of the 100-pound reptiles was captured Tuesday on property off Old City Road, while the other gator was caught Friday from his swamp hideout near Lunenburg Road.
An MEP spokesperson said an interview with the owner to be held in the next few days will decide the case. The owner's name has yet to be released.
Gators are not sold in Massachusetts, but New Hampshire's lax alligator policies, which do not require a permit, give buyers an easy source, French explained. While it is unlawful for Massachusetts residents to bring home New Hampshire-bought gators, it is perfectly legal for New Hampshire dealers to sell to anyone -- including Bay State residents.
"I'm more worried about the well-being of the animal than the legality of it," said Matt Hay, Reptile Manager at Sea World Pet Store in Salem, NH. "I usually tell people (from Massachusetts) about the consequences if they get caught. ... But it's their choice, and if they really want to buy an alligator, they're going to get it someplace. ... So I'd rather they get it from me, so I can educate them, make sure they know how to care for it."
Many consumers buy young alligators without a solid understanding of how large and demanding they will one day become, Hay said.
Sgt. Bruce Bonenfant of the Law Enforcement Division of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department believes the state's lack of regulation on alligator ownership is outdated.
"It was written at a time when there was no market for alligators," said Bonenfant. "No one was selling them.. ... Subsequent to that, there was suddenly a market. We're aware of the problem, and we're looking to address it, but changing regulations takes some time."
But gators are not the only creatures wreaking havoc. French also cited monkeys, deer, and even skunks as popular animals.
Currently, MassWildlife is searching for two baby bobcats it believes are being held in eastern Massachusetts. The agency was tipped off by a veterinarian who was approached by the bobcats' owners, but turned them away without recording their names.
As far as solving the problem goes, "All we can do is try to get the word out about the rules and consequences," said French.
Penalties for violations are determined case-by-case, but typically include revocation of the animals as well as possible fines.
Mass. wildlife expert sees N.H. as gator-aid