A surprising tale of a slithering visitor has captivated Boston, and it’s not your typical urban wildlife story!
Imagine spotting an alligator, a creature more at home in the swamps of the south, along the Charles River in the heart of Boston. This tiny, foot-long crocodilian caused quite a stir, becoming an instant social media sensation as confused onlookers captured its fleeting appearances on video.
But here’s where it gets controversial: this exotic creature, not native to Massachusetts, was facing a dire situation. With temperatures dipping to a chilly 11°C, far below the 27°C alligators prefer, this little one was in danger. Alligators, being cold-blooded, enter a state of brumation to survive, but this urban setting was no place for such a survival strategy.
Enter Joe Kenney, a local wildlife educator and the hero of this story. Kenney, who runs Joe’s Craz-zy Critters, captured the alligator and ensured its safety. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife stepped in, temporarily authorizing Kenney to care for the gator while they find a suitable long-term home.
And this is the part most people miss: alligators, especially as pets, are a big responsibility. They’re not designed for life in a fish tank, and they can grow to impressive sizes. Just imagine this little one, only 30cm long now, reaching adult size in a few years!
The wildlife department is still investigating how this alligator ended up in Boston, but they suspect it was either an escaped or intentionally released pet. It’s a reminder that keeping alligators as pets is illegal in Massachusetts, and for good reason.
This story has a happy ending, with the alligator now awaiting a permanent home. But it also serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership and the potential consequences when exotic animals are released into the wild.
What are your thoughts on this unusual urban wildlife encounter? Do you think more needs to be done to educate people about the responsibilities of owning exotic pets? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!