WTOP (Washington, DC) 29 April 05 Zoo Takes In Little Gator Found on Potomac Fishing Trip
Thurmont, Md. (AP) : The newest arrival at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo near Frederick is an exotic animal found along the banks of the Potomac River in Williamsport.
It's an 8-inch alligator that was found recently by two West Virginia boys on a fishing trip with their parents.
The Fleece family took the alligator to a pet shop but were turned away. The boys' father, Gary Fleece, later met with Martinsburg, W. Va., Police Chief Ted Anderson. The police department agreed to put the alligator in an aquarium until it could find the reptile a home.
Anderson said he believes the alligator likely was someone's pet. He said he picked up the gator, which seemed docile and emitted a purring-like sound.
Zoo officials say residents shouldn't worry about the possible presence of other gators. They say the river's cold environment is unsuitable for the reptiles.
The zoo says the alligator will spend about two months in quarantine, then will be incorporated into educational programs for children and young adults.
Zoo Takes In Little Gator Found on Potomac