Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In light of the whole "Reggie: The L.A. Gator" thing, I notice that in certain summers we have crocodilians that are turned loose in various rivers, ponds, streams etc. I am wondering if anyone happens to have some information on the proper ways to go about capturing "nuisance" crocs, etc?

We had recently had a Spectacled Caiman that was caught and killed because they couldnt find a home for it. I would sometime down the road like to be able to offer services for "nuisance reptile" removal and such. I hate hearing about that caiman, as it's life could have been spared. They just couldnt find a zoo that would take it. They rarely look to the public for help housing these animals.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

I'd take a flat bottom boat with an electric trolling motor and paddles, an extra (quiet) person or two, a 20 foot bamboo pole with a self-locking snare and rope, headlamps, and some million candle-power (or more) spotlights. Oh, and *lots* of patience. If it is a small one, just pull it up into the boat once noosed. Bigger ones are best pulled up on the shore

I'm surprised that Reggie wasn't caught right away. My guess is that all the commotion, spectators and media just got him too gun-shy.

Generally, municpalties will call upon licensed animal control officers to capture the animal. L.A., to my knowledge, never called any outside gator trappers to capture the animal. Some 'gator experts' simply showed up.

Check with your local gov't on becoming a animal control officer. Bryan's method below is pretty good, though, we've found sometimes a 1-million candle power spotlight is too strong for small crocs...in fact, in Costa Rica, we've found a smaller spotlight(e.g., down around 100,000 candle power) is better for hatchlings and juveniles(sub 100cm) as the high power once reflect off of everything, and the reflection off of the surface prevents you from seeing the eyeshine. If you have an idea of the animal's size, select the appropriate light or carry two sizes.

As for poles, commercial snares work, but are usually overkill. A long piece of PVC pipe 1" OD or up to 2"OD about 4-6' long with a rope and loop on the end works well, along with strong rope. If the animal is over say, 2m.....good luck!! you'll need some help. The PVC flexes a bit and helps keep tension on the rope. and if the croc/gator grabs it, it'll give more than a metal handle snare, which could hurt you if the animal thrashed the right way.

MCH