Alligator last seen in the Kiski River remains missing as lawmaker proposes law aimed at exotic pet owners
After months of alligator sightings after they somehow got loose from their owners in the Apollo area and Kiski River, state Rep. Abby Major, R-60th District, has introduced legislation to increase penalties for such situations.
“A lot of people were asking me to do something,” Major said after a series of alligator sightings, search and rescues, and incidents over the past five months. “In the 60th District, we’ve had a unique issue with the release of alligators into the Kiski River.”
Major’s 60th District includes Kiski Township, where all of the gator incidents have occurred.
The intent is to increase penalties for the negligent or intentional release of exotic animals into the wild.
Examples of exotic animals are poisonous snakes, dangerous mammals, crocodiles and alligators.
If passed, the legislation would make the crime a first-degree misdemeanor, up from a third- degree misdemeanor.
“There can be jail time involved with a Misdemeanor 1,” said Kiski Township police Chief Lee Bartolicius, who is among those who had to deal with the situation. The maximum punishment would be a $25,000 fine and five years in prison.
Related:
• 11.6.2023. ‘You don’t have to let it go in the river:' Breeders, owners defend exotic pets, push responsible care
• 10.5.2023. Kiski Township man shocked to find wayward alligator on his porch, 9 taken from neighbor's property
• 9.17.2023. Kayaker videotapes alligator swimming in Kiski River near Apollo
In a memorandum posted Monday, Oct. 30, Major wrote, “These animals could potentially be dangerous to citizens and cause havoc with the local ecosystem.”
The Kiski River, popular for its fishing, boating, kayaking and tubing, gained national attention this summer when several alligators were found at different times in the river.
One alligator, later nicknamed Chomper by rescue officials, was caught in August by two kayakers and relocated by Armstrong County Humane Officer Amber Phillips to Nate’s Reptile Rescue in Pittsburgh.
Major is hopeful her bill will pass quickly.
“If I can get good support, it could be done quickly, but a lot of times these things take years,” Major said. “I didn’t really expect any opposition. Most people have been supportive.”
The most recently reported alligator sighting occurred Sept. 3 when kayakers recorded cellphone video of a juvenile alligator that was later identified as Neo, a runaway reptile that fled from the residence of Dominic Hayward of Kiski Township.
Bartolicius said Friday that Neo remains on the loose in the Kiski River. With winter approaching, he fears Neo’s odds of surviving in the wild may be growing slim.
“We have not had any additional reported sightings of Neo. Nothing. Unfortunately, we searched as much as we could,” Bartolicius said. “Neo never entered any of the traps set out. As we get down in temperatures into the 30s and below, because he’s so small, he won’t survive. These pets are being released with the ultimate outcome of death.”
In October, Kiski Township police responded to a report of an alligator on the front porch of a Brownstown Road resident.
That incident resulted in nine alligators being seized by authorities from Hayward’s property, also on Brownstown Road.
Hayward remains in Armstrong County Jail after his arrest by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission last month.
“This alligator issue has consumed countless hours for my police department for the last several months,” Bartolicius said.
Bartolicius expressed appreciation for Major’s efforts to make exotic reptile laws tougher.
“I absolutely support Rep. Major’s bill, more than I can even express. I think it’s awesome. There’s not much of a deterrent for people that are putting these alligators into waterways,” Bartolicius said. “I strive to work with Rep. Major in the future to push this bill forward. Along with my attention of a bill that regulates and assists law enforcement in the possession and ownership of these exotic animals.”
Major has found support from a fellow state representative who knows all about alligators.
State Rep. Tom Jones, R-98th District, houses and cares for three rescue alligators.
“For me, they’re rescues, not pets,” Jones said. “They will eventually be rehomed.”
Jones has helped to foster and relocate alligators for about eight years.
Alligators under his care are kept inside a secure indoor habitat at his business in East Donegal Township, Lancaster County. East Donegal doesn’t permit keeping alligators in a residence.
“When it comes to intentional or negligent release, I support Rep. Major’s legislation. The heart behind it is, ultimately, to protect the public and save these wonderful animals from what is certain death in these Pennsylvania rivers,” Jones said. “Keeping of exotic animals should not be entered into lightly, and these types of animals do not make great pets as they require special care and proper housing.”
“Unfortunately, in some municipalities alligators are restricted, but theoretically you could keep a 20-foot crocodile in your living room. So these restrictions are often poorly written,” Jones said.
Major said after the bill is introduced, it will proceed to the state House Game & Fisheries Committee.
“I’m confident that it will pass,” Major said. “This has been wild. You never know what’s going to be a thing.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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