Man arrested in alligator stabbing

[Thirteen]

Friday, November 5, 2004 Posted: 6:27 PM EST (2327 GMT)
 
The alligator, nicknamed Elvis, was found with a knife stuck in its head about two weeks ago.
       
SARASOTA, Florida (AP) -- A fisherman was cited for killing an alligator nicknamed Elvis who lived in a golf course community's pond. The man said he stabbed the reptile in self-defense.

Rick Allen Burns, 49, faces up to 60 days in jail and a fine if convicted on a misdemeanor charge of possession of an alligator without a permit.

Five-foot-long Elvis was found dying in October with a hunting knife in its head. A $1,000 reward for information was posted and an anonymous tip led to Burns, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Friday.

Residents said Elvis first showed up at their pond about 18 months ago, and had never hurt anyone -- or ducks living nearby.

Burns told investigators, however, that he stabbed the alligator after he bit the fisherman's baited hook, then lunged at Burns when he tried to cut the line.

"Some people are not aware of the seriousness of violating Florida's Wildlife Codes and are surprised to find that the FWC takes these situations very seriously," investigator Mike Frantz said in a statement.

 
 

[white Boy]

so if an aligator wants to kill me i cant stab him

[[Stoned]Jesus H. Christ[Wheat]]

thats right, you have to try and reason with him, talk it out you know. Maybe try to tear you arm or leg off, then run away and get help you know. That "self defence" crap about the alligator was trying to eat me shit doesn't fly down there.

[Da WCC Hopar!]

LMAO he shood have tried to tackle the gator and drowned it and god dam man dats a big ass nife

[Bramsterdam (see ya)]

lol, you gotta make a deal with the alligator, like, your leg for your life hahaha

[Z the laidback Virus]

That's what happens to stupid people who think they can be 'Beastmaster'

[Leggy Hendrix]

Rick Allen Burns, 49, faces up to 60 days in jail and a fine if convicted on a misdemeanor charge of possession of an alligator without a permit.

he must've had big pockets...

[Danté Williams]

Wow, real life copying the Simpsons!