Do you recall the story about Tommie Woodward who died after jumping into an Alligator-filled water at Burkhart’s Marina in Orange County (click here if you missed it); well someone decided to take actions following his death by killing the Alligator, CNN reports.
Officials received notice that a large alligator carcass was dropped off at the same marina that Woodard visited before his death. The alligator was apparently shot and killed by a man who only identified himself as “Bear,” and had left before wildlife officials arrived to retrieve the carcass, NY Daily News reported.
According to CNN, Kent Robnett- identified as “Bear”, confessed that he trapped the 400 pound, 11½-foot alligator himself and then shot it in the head. He left the carcass on the marina dock where officials recovered it.
It was reported that he offered the alligator chicken as bait from a boat and shot the reptile when it came close. Authorities said it is illegal to kill an alligator unprovoked, even if the animal in question is a man-killer.
Wardens said Bear should have instead contacted wildlife officers or nuisance trappers rather than dealing with the animal himself. The illegal harvest of an alligator in Texas is a class C misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $500, Outdoorhub reported.
Robnett explained that he killed the deadly creature to protect his family and others who walk and swim near the bayou, CNN affiliate KTRK reported.
“I have a 1-year-old, a 3-year-old and a 14-year-old who swim out here,” he told the affiliate. “He was just too big” Robnett said.
When asked he was aware that he was violating a law, Robnett said he knew he was breaking the law and anonymously called a game warden, knowing he could face a charge of hunting without a permit and a $500 fine. He has since spoken to investigators.
Col. Craig Hunter, law enforcement director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said that the death of Woodward was unfortunate and that it had been compounded by the actions of an individual who felt compelled to take matters into his own hands for the safety of his family and others.
He further stated that “Either Texas game wardens or a licensed nuisance alligator hunter would have been more appropriate to handle the situation. Either way, because of its aggressive behaviour, the alligator would have to be killed,” said Hunter.
Hunter said that Robnett was issued a warning but will not be charged.
Culled from CNN.com
