Wayward Alligators Become Issue In PA House

HARRISBURG, PA — Blame it on Chomper and his brethren gators.

The frequency of alligators found in recent months in the Kiskiminetas River in Western Pennsylvania has a state lawmaker proposing legislation to strengthen penalties on exotic animal owners who either intentionally or negligently release them.

State Rep. Abby Major, an Armstrong County Republican, said the legislation would apply to the owners of alligators, crocodiles, poisonous snakes and mammals that threaten public safety or are dangerous to wild animals and birds. The Kiskiminetas River is in her district.

"The Kiski River is a popular recreation spot for fishing and kayaking," Major wrote in a letter to colleagues this week seeking support for her bill.

"This summer, kayakers were surprised to find alligators swimming around their kayaks. One, dubbed 'Chomper' by the community, was captured by a kayaker. A second gator, Neo, is still at large in the river.

"On another occasion, a gentleman was trapped in his home due to a different gator on his porch. These animals could potentially be dangerous to citizens and cause havoc with the local ecosystem."

Major's legislation would increase the penalties for release of exotic animals from a third-degree to first-degree misdemeanor.

"This will further provide for public safety from dangerous exotic wildlife, most notably those related to recent issues of alligators and mink being released into the wild," she stated.