Charges won’t be filed against owner of 50-lb. alligator found in Pa. fire site

MOUNT JACKSON, Pa. — No charges will be filed against the owner of a 50-pound alligator firefighters discovered while putting out a fire at a former school here.

Bob Nestor, Northwest Regional Manager of Law Enforcement for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Meadville, said today his agency does not regulate non-native animal species such as alligators.

He said that some municipalities, such as Erie, have laws against keeping exotic animals, but there is no such ordinance in North Beaver Township where the fire occurred Thursday afternoon.

Nestor said certain other exotic species, such as lions, would fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Fire Chief Paul Henry of North Beaver said today the alligator was returned Thursday night to owner Brian Simpson. He said carcasses of two other alligators were found in the building and they are believed to have died before the blaze started.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com