American Alligator husbandry questions.

[skatefastdieyoung]

Closest thread option i had, i went under misc but could only find field herping. Need help understanding requirements, meals, etc. Pretty much just need help with knowledge about what i need to know and physically have. Im considering purchasing.

[Eric Alan]

The most important thing for you to have would be a permit, as they are listed as a threatened species by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, which makes them unlawful to posses in PA without one.

• Pennsylvania State Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals
• Species Profile for American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

[tbowman]

Judging from your profile I'll assume you're a kid. My advice is don't purchase an alligator.

[skatefastdieyoung]

s it legal to buy/sell/own an alligator, cayman or crocodile in PA?

"The PA Fish and Boat Commission’s regulations do not regulate possession of non-native species of reptiles and amphibians. So long as these animals are not released into the wild, there are no state regulations regarding their ownership. Likewise, there is no state permit required to possess these animals. However, there may be local municipal ordinances, which regulate the ownership of “dangerous animals” and you should check with your local government before purchasing such an animal"... So legally i can own one?

[Miranda2]

Its going to be really difficult owning an alligator in Pennsylvania. If you lived in the warm southern states where you could make an outdoor pond maybe I could understand it. But unless you can make some kind of huge indoor heated pool with the right lighting for winter then its just unfair to the animal.
Think tegu or monitor of some kind, smaller and still super cool.

[Daniel.michelle]

Do you have experience with lizards? If so what kinds? And how have you had experience with them?

If you are asking questions about the animals basic husbandy, you are not ready for it.

Before you even think of getting one, you MUST have:
an adult size enclosure built BEFORE getting a hatchling
a plan for feeding (not asking parents or assuming you have enough)
have a plan not just for the animal, but a plan for housing of yourself.
Be able to recite its care etc. Like the alphabet.

Thats just the tip of the iceburg too. Just keep researching until your eyes bleed and beyond.

[Eric Alan]

Here's the section that I found relevant:

58 PA Code §137.1. Importation, possession, sale and release of certain wildlife.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in this section or the act, it is unlawful for a person to import, possess, sell, offer for sale or release within this Commonwealth the following wild animals or wild birds or the eggs of the birds or a crossbreed or hybrid of the wild animals or wild birds, which are similar in appearance:

(8) An animal, bird or egg of a bird listed by the Commonwealth or the United States Department of the Interior as threatened, endangered or injurious.

[KMG]

Have you ever seen a full size adult American Alligator? They are not small animals. They are also not exactly known to be friendly care free animals. Can you imagine having to get it looked at by a vet? I bet that would cost more than a Blue Eye Lucy itself.

If you are going to do it do it right and just get you a Saltwater Croc.

BTW, just because something is legal does not mean that there are not permits and permissions needed to do it. With that Im not saying it is or isn't legal for you to own one. I don't support the idea enough to google it for you.

[skatefastdieyoung]

ive had 2 crested geckos, own a turtle, and had 2 beardies. Both the geckos and beardies have died of old age. Mt turtle is still alive and well. I have a 3 bedroom trailer only two are full. The king size is open as i didnt need that much space. I seen HUGE plastic tubs that could easily fit a adult croc. Ive had experience with lizards however im new to snakes. I called the state rep office for further information on state regulations and permits needed... Im gettin the animal for the love of the animal, not for anything more. Its upsetting people let them go as adults as they should be fully prepped for an adult in the first place. Im more than ready to own one but need the permits. I want to have hands on physical knowledge of these animals as i find them interesting, the same reason people buy snakes. They find them interesting and have a loving, caring, burning passion for them. I have that same passion for crocs. I want one.

[Chkadii]

There's a little farm/zoo/rescue in the Stroudsburg area that keeps several alligators. A lot of their animals were collected from people who were woefully unprepared for exotic/dangerous animals. You should ask them how they care for their gators, and how optimal they believe their care is compared to a naturally warm climate or a facility with more resources at their disposal.

I can commiserate with wanting one - Clarissa Explains It All filled my young mind with dreams of keeping a baby gator in a kiddie pool in my room. Fortunately for all parties involved (especially for the alligator) those dreams were promptly shot down. I understand why, but that doesn't heal the heartbreak!