I sure there was no need to shoot the alligator, why didn't they call animal control before they shot it.
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http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississ...0568102860.xml
8-foot alligator shot on U.S. 90
Monday, December 03, 2007
By CHERIE WARD
The Mississippi Press
PASCAGOULA -- Two Pascagoula police officers, responding to several calls from motorists Sunday about an alligator lumbering up and down U.S. 90, had to kill the 8-foot reptile when it lunged at them in an aggressive manner.
Capt. Jamie Hunter said the department received several reports about an alligator trying to walk into the lanes of traffic, but it would retreat to grassy areas by the time officers arrived on the scene.
He said Sgt. John Morosky and patrolman Leroy Evans inspected the Martin Luther King Causeway several times before finding the alligator about 100 yards from the Welcome to Pascagoula sign on the south side of U.S. 90 at about 11:20 a.m. The U.S. 90 causeway connects Pascagoula and Gautier.
"The officers got out of their cars to see if they could find this alligator," Hunter said. "They kind of walked up on it. The alligator turned around on them in a threatening manner and that's when the officer shot. The officers said they were in fear for their safety."
Hunter said traffic was not delayed because of the incident.
Animal control officer Ed Homes was called in to remove the alligator and the Pascagoula Fire Department responded, Hunter said.
Asked if alligator calls are frequent, Hunter said it does happen.
"It just depends on what time of the year it is," Hunter said. "And the weather is changing. Animals have a sense of when the weather changes and there's a cold front coming in. For some reason they seem to be on the move."
Reporter Cherie Ward can be reached at
cward@themississippipress.com or 228-934-1442.
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