UPI en Español  |   UPI Asia  |   About UPI  |   My Account
Search:
Go

Alligator found in Massachusetts canal

|
 
Published: Aug. 27, 2012 at 12:51 PM

LOWELL, Mass., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Police in Massachusetts said they found a 2-foot-long alligator swimming in a canal after receiving what they first thought was a prank call.

Calvin Thomas of Lowell called police after he and his twin 7-year-old daughters spotted the gator Saturday night in the Merrimack Canal, The Sun in Lowell reported Monday.

"They thought I was joking," Thomas said, referring to police dispatchers.

Sgt. Jack Cullen said he was shocked to arrive at the scene and discover the call had not been a prank.

Animal Control Officer Robert Pickard caught the alligator, which appeared to be uninjured, with a net and said the reptile will be taken to an exotic animals expert.

Thomas said the gator sighting saved an evening that had been marred by arguing between his daughters.

"I decided to take them for a walk ... and lo and behold an alligator in the canal," he said. "They got home and fell asleep talking about the alligator -- what a great night."

© 2012 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints
Join the conversation
Most Popular Collections
'Star Trek Into Darkness' screening NBC upfronts Met Ball 2013
'Great Gatsby' premieres in New York Spire raised on top of One WTC 2013: Celebrity break ups and divorces
Additional Odd News Stories
Your Daily Horoscope
The almanac
1 of 14
The 2013 Billboard Music Awards
View Caption
Singer Miley Cyrus arrives at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 19, 2013. UPI/Jim Ruymen
fark
Pro tip: If you're going to butt-dial someone, make sure it's not 9-1-1 while you are breaking into...
Photo of monster sized hailstones that fell out of the sky in Oklahoma City today
Sarah Palin did not see this coming
Two puppies devoured by king cobra after falling into well. Sorry, did I say devoured? I meant saved...
Home invader learns THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looking for fan submissions for new uniforms. Surely Fark can...