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Locating an alligator is hardest part of capture

Locating an alligator is hardest part of capture

When people dump their pet alligators in public waters, local officials are left with two choices -- allow the cold-blooded creatures to die naturally when cold weather sets in or embark on the often tedious process of saving them.

Israel Dupont, who runs the Florida-based Israel Dupont Croc Rescue Network, said all solid efforts to go gator catching are planned with three things in mind -- the time of year, the size of the creature and the topography of the land near which it was spotted.

Catching an alligator in Pittsburgh during the fall is particularly difficult because the nippy weather will cause the cold-blooded creature's heart rate to lower.

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That means the animal will become lethargic and will likely only come into view during the brightest hours of the day, when the animal is seeking sunlight.

Henry Kacprzyk, curator of reptiles at the Pittsburgh Zoo, has been trying to capture an alligator living in Beaver Run Reservoir for more than two weeks now. He began by creating a wire trap and placing meat inside it. When that didn't work, he and 13 other people unsuccessfully scoured the lake Tuesday with nets. He said he might go out again when the weather warms up, making it easier to spot the gator.

Mr. Dupont said he would have considered allowing the gator to die in the lake since it is small -- he estimated about 3 feet long based on pictures -- and, in his opinion, not a danger to the public. He also said he might be willing to help Mr. Kacprzyk catch the alligator if someone can help cover his expenses.

First Published: October 29, 2011, 5:30 a.m.

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