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Alligator Eludes Capture

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By NEIL JOHNSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 15, 2008

TAMPA - Cool weather made 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 on Wednesday to nab the alligator, but the reptile was too lethargic to be interested in taking bait. Harter 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.

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

Also, it was 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 said she will try again this weekend, when temperatures are expected to be in the 70s.

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

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

Witnesses said the dog, which had been unleashed during a walk with its owner, jumped into the water after barking at the alligator Monday morning.

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