Reward Offered for Poachers who Killed and Dismembered Popular Gator Big Boy
Over the weekend, poachers in Georgia snuck into the swampy pond area behind Brown and Feed Seed, and killed a popular 200-pound alligator named Big Boy.
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After dragging the nine-foot gator out of the pond, the poachers, probably using a chainsaw or reciprocating saw, dismembered the body. The poachers cut off the head, front legs and tail and left the rest of the carcass at the scene. Employees of the company discovered the gruesome scene Monday morning.
Donnie Brown, owner of the company, said that the alligator was almost like a pet. “Everybody liked the alligator; I don’t know why somebody would do this.” The popular gator lived in the pond in Evans for the last four years.
While alligator hunting is permitted in parts of Georgia, it is not legal in Columbia County where the incident took place. This year’s alligator hunting season is from September 5th to October 4, 2009.
The misdemeanor charges carry possible fines and/or jail time. If anyone has any information about the incident, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Callers can remain anonymous.
Once considered Endangered, American alligators can live up to 60 years in captivity and up to 50 years in the wild. Males can reach lengths up to 16 feet while females can grow to 10 feet.
Update: Strangers and residents of the community have assembled a makeshift memorial for the popular gator. Currently, a $4,100 reward fund has been raised by the community.
Photo alligator Alan Stoddard via Flickr
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