Pittsburgh leaders still trying to figure out bill to ban alligators

PITTSBURGH — Before the COVID-19 pandemic dominated our world, there was a time where nearly every month, a new alligator was being discovered in some corner of Pittsburgh.

In May 2019, a family fishing along the Mon River called authorities after spotting an alligator near the Southside Riverfront Park. In June, Chomp, a five-foot alligator, was found by someone walking their dog in Beechview. Weeks later, a 2 1/2 foot alligator was found and taken off the front porch of a home in Carrick. In July, a baby alligator startled employees showing up to work at a Shaler Giant Eagle. Things were all quiet on the gator front until October, when Gus, a baby alligator, was found near the Allegheny River in Lawrenceville.

Pittsburgh Councilman Brue Kraus introduced a bill to ban people and businesses from owning, selling, exchanging or adopting crocodiles, alligators and turtles last year.

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According to our partners at TribLive.com, there are a number of issues that still need to be worked out before that legislation can become law. One major problem: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium would technically be in violation. The zoo is also in violation of its lease with the city due to accreditation issues.

The council is expected to take up the bill again at its March 24 meeting.

Oklahoma alligators use icing techniques to breathe in frozen waters (NCD)

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