An alligator that is almost 10 feet long was spotted in Claremore Lake in Oklahoma and was quickly put down by wildlife officials. It was a mystery how the reptile got there because it was miles away from its natural habitat.
Local news outlet KTUL reported on May 10 that the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) had received reports from members of the public about the alligator sighting. They immediately checked the area and confirmed the large reptile's presence in the lake that threatened public safety.
Nearly 10-Foot Alligator Found in Oklahoma Euthanized by Wildlife Officials: How Did it Get There?
Alligator Sighting in Oklahoma
The alligator measuring 9 feet and 6 inches long, was roughly 30 miles northeast of Tulsa, according to The Kansas City Star. Unfortunately, the DWC had to euthanize the alligator for public safety. Leaving a predator that big in an area where it does not belong and people frequently visit could threaten public safety.
According to a DWC spokesperson, they could not safely move the alligator to another location, given its massive size. Also, if they do catch it, they do not know where it came from and whether it was habituated to humans or not.
Wildlife officials have no idea how long the alligator had been in the lake. However, the first sighting was reported a week ago.
The officials added that it is unlikely for an alligator to travel 200 miles from its natural habitat to the lake in Oklahoma on its own. They suspect that someone brought it there, putting the safety of people at risk.
American Alligators Not an Uncommon Sight in Oklahoma
According to Newsweek, American alligators are commonly found in the wetlands of the US, with some even found in North Carolina and Texas. Males could grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds, while females tend to be smaller.
Although sightings of alligators are most reported in Florida, especially this time of the year because of their mating season, they can also be found in other states. For instance, some parts of Oklahoma serve as a home to these apex predators.
The Red and Little River systems that ran through Choctaw, Bryan, McCurtain, and Love counties all host populations of American alligators. However, they are not found at the very tip of the southeast corner of the state.
Alligators in Oklahoma are typically found in swampy areas, by the river, and in hard-to-reach areas.
Wildlife experts remind the public not to approach the alligators to avoid unwanted incidents. They can watch from afar as these reptiles generally leave humans alone, but not when they are near.
Wildlife experts also said that most American alligators found outside of the southeast of Oklahoma were former pets that owners have released to the wild.
RELATED ARTICLE: 11-Foot Alligator Shot Dead in Florida After Hunting Season Was Extended; FWC Conducts Criminal Investigation for Illegal Killing of the Predator
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