Disturbing Headline

LEVITTOWN, Pa. -- Animal control officers caught an alligator in a Bucks County creek over the weekend, just days after netting a 5-foot gator in the same area. The second alligator, caught Sunday afternoon near Bryn Athyn, is about 2 feet long.

Alligators in Pennsylvania? wtf?
Do you think some idiot had a couple pet alligators and released them? It's quite likely. Think public safety and the ecosystem, people!

Sometimes, people just don't realize the impact that their actions have on others and the world around them. Many ecosystems around the world have been upset by animals that people have introduced to the area. Now, commonly, exotic species are introduced into bays by way of ballast water from ships. This accidential displacement of organisms from one country to another is the price we pay for international trade. You would think that by now someone would have designed a filter system or something to prevent this from happening. Maybe there already is such a device being used.. I don't know.

But, the introduction of exotic pets in areas where they just don't belong by careless or apathetic owners is just not right. When someone buys an exotic pet, they should be prepared to take on the responsibilty for that animal.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.