Comment
Rate
Gator making a home in Lumpkin pond
By Matt Aiken
Lumpkin County isn't the most hospitable spot for an alligator. And yet such a creature seems to be making itself at home in a private pond off Old Dahlonega Highway.
“We've seen him several times,” said Deputy Lloyd Brewer of the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office.
The wayward reptile is estimated to be four feet long and is believed to be a former pet.
“Somebody's brought it in from Florida and probably released it,” said Brewer.
It has been living in a small half acre pond for at least a month.
The owners of the property have asked not to be identified since they don't want to encourage gator-related gawkers.
In order to catch the gator, Brewer has set up a chicken-baited trap at the edge of the pond. However, the animal doesn't seem to have much of a taste for poultry.
“He just won't go after our chicken legs,” said Brewer.
The possibility of capture has been further complicated since the pond is brimming with hungry snapping turtles that are most likely snagging the meat before the gator gets around to feeding.
To assist in the project, Brewer has enlisted the help of C.W. Wathen, the owner of nearby Chestatee Wildlife Preserve which houses a total of six alligators. Wathen said that he's performed a head count on his alligator population and is certain that the animal didn't come from his property.
“We know it's not ours,” he said. “In fact, our gators are totally different. They're fed everyday. They're real round and fat.”
If the alligator trap continues to turn up only turtles, then Brewer and Wathen have a backup plan that will involve a small boat and a high powered flashlight.
“He's going to be on top of the water mostly at night,” said Brewer. “You just shine it in his eyes and blind him.”
Since alligators tend to freeze when blinded, Brewer and Wathen should then be able to approach the animal and collar it.
“And there you go. The fight's on,” laughed Brewer. “Well pull him in the boat and bring him to the bank.”
Once caught, the gator will most likely find a new home among the other reptiles at the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve.
“He can get fed everyday if he wants to eat,” said Wathen. “And he doesn't have to go out and hunt for it.”
“We've seen him several times,” said Deputy Lloyd Brewer of the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office.
The wayward reptile is estimated to be four feet long and is believed to be a former pet.
“Somebody's brought it in from Florida and probably released it,” said Brewer.
It has been living in a small half acre pond for at least a month.
The owners of the property have asked not to be identified since they don't want to encourage gator-related gawkers.
In order to catch the gator, Brewer has set up a chicken-baited trap at the edge of the pond. However, the animal doesn't seem to have much of a taste for poultry.
“He just won't go after our chicken legs,” said Brewer.
The possibility of capture has been further complicated since the pond is brimming with hungry snapping turtles that are most likely snagging the meat before the gator gets around to feeding.
To assist in the project, Brewer has enlisted the help of C.W. Wathen, the owner of nearby Chestatee Wildlife Preserve which houses a total of six alligators. Wathen said that he's performed a head count on his alligator population and is certain that the animal didn't come from his property.
“We know it's not ours,” he said. “In fact, our gators are totally different. They're fed everyday. They're real round and fat.”
If the alligator trap continues to turn up only turtles, then Brewer and Wathen have a backup plan that will involve a small boat and a high powered flashlight.
“He's going to be on top of the water mostly at night,” said Brewer. “You just shine it in his eyes and blind him.”
Since alligators tend to freeze when blinded, Brewer and Wathen should then be able to approach the animal and collar it.
“And there you go. The fight's on,” laughed Brewer. “Well pull him in the boat and bring him to the bank.”
Once caught, the gator will most likely find a new home among the other reptiles at the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve.
“He can get fed everyday if he wants to eat,” said Wathen. “And he doesn't have to go out and hunt for it.”
 |
 |
|
| Raber, Harkins win Lumpkin runoff races | Lumpkin schools fall short of making AYP |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of thedahloneganugget.com.
libby wrote on Aug 9, 2008 5:07 PM:
" y'all need to sell tickets, this will be amusing to watch Brewer wrestle this thing out of the pond...something i dare not tackle...course, my son did wrestle an emu down and load him up in his little truck and bring him home...absolutley hilarious !! "
josh edwards wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:46 PM:
" The article was well thought off who ever wrote about it or done the story about the alligator. My opinion on how to catch the alligator is live meat or fresh meat. Whoever wants to catch it needs to go to the supermarket and by a couple of steaks. Alligators like the fresh of the meat and the alligator or alligators then will eat it. "
What do you think of this?
Posting guidelines--Everyone knows that The Nugget readers are the friendliest people in the world. However, the introduction of the "Comments" option can sometimes lead to online exchanges that can best be described as "less than friendly."
The Nugget will not edit what someone writes for the Web, but we will deny a comment from being posted if it isn't appropriate.
Profanity, of course, will not be allowed. Personal attacks will not be allowed either.
For example, if Mr. Fill-in-the-Blank says something you don't agree with, don't tell the world that Mr. Fill-in-the-Blank is a no good dirty scoundrel who cuts off people in traffic and has owed you $20 since 1997. The Nugget asks you to please just stick to the issues at hand. That way we'll keep the debate lively, without getting personal. And remember, above all else, keep it civil and directed at the topic that's being discussed. We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
For example, if Mr. Fill-in-the-Blank says something you don't agree with, don't tell the world that Mr. Fill-in-the-Blank is a no good dirty scoundrel who cuts off people in traffic and has owed you $20 since 1997. The Nugget asks you to please just stick to the issues at hand. That way we'll keep the debate lively, without getting personal. And remember, above all else, keep it civil and directed at the topic that's being discussed. We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
WOW wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:14 PM: