Monday, October 26, 2009

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Alligator wrangled near Route 24

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- A five-foot long alligator wandering near a Massachusetts highway has been wrangled safely away from the public.

Several drivers called police to report the five-foot reptile out wandering around naer Route 24.

Robert Schenck, owner of the Fall River pet store Animal Instincts and part-time gator-wrangler, helped capture the small alligator Sunday after being called by animal control officers.

Schenck also said the alligator probably had been on the loose all summer and may have been feeding on rats or other rodents.

"It had adult full size leeches on it, which means it's been out at least the entire summer," Schenck said.

Schenck went into the swampy area near Route 24 to capture the reptile. His secret to taming the animal is a household item.

"It's amazing what electrical tape comes in handy for I never leave home without it," said Schenk.

Schenck said the animal likely came from Rhode Island, where it is legal to keep them as pets.

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