TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Chill Has Tampa Gator Lying Low After Killing Dog

ADVERTISEMENT

By NEIL JOHNSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 14, 2008

TAMPA - Cool weather is making it difficult for a state-hired trapper to catch an alligator that killed a dog at Al Lopez Park on Monday.

Julie Harter, the trapper, tried for four hours Wednesday to nab the alligator, but the reptile is too lethargic to be interested in taking any bait. She also tried on Monday.

The alligator, at least 5 feet long, killed a 5-year-old cairn terrier in a pond a few yards from a walking path.

The dog's body was found Wednesday.

Harter said the alligator has been in the pond for a long time and has established an area it can hide.

Also, it's not active or hungry during cold weather.

"With the water temperature still cool, he's not hungry. They know enough not to eat when it's cold," Harter said.

She will try this weekend when temperatures are expected to get into the 70s.

"I saw him, and there was a big swirl and he was gone. He didn't come back up for four hours. He's got a little area he can dip under and stay," Harter said.

Though licensed by the state, trappers are independent contractors who catch nuisance alligators to sell the meat and hide.

Witnesses said the dog was not on a leash and jumped in the water after barking at the alligator Monday morning.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT