The department has tried to capture the alligators several times without success.
One was killed by local Ohio Division of Wildlife officer, Harshbarger said.
The second one, which is about two feet long, dove underwater during attempts to capture it and swam away.
“They can remain under water and swim away; thus we are relying on local enforcement to report sightings,” she said. ODA hasn’t received any further reports of the second alligator.
It is legal to own alligators in Ohio with a valid Wildlife Shelter Permit from the ODA, Harshbarger said.
“Both illegal ownership and knowingly releasing dangerous wild animals are subject to criminal and civil penalties under Ohio Revised Code 935,” she added.
We have reached out to the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for more information.
About the Author
