Tuesday, 5 April 2011

World's first orange alligator found in Florida - tnjn.com

5 April 2011

The rivalry continues between the University of Tennessee and the University of
Florida, but the real gators of Florida

seem to be

leaning towards the orange side. A 70-year-old woman spotted what could be the world's first orange alligator in Venice, Fla.

He was just sun basking right here on this cement pier minding his own business. Phillip Crosby



Sylvia Mythen, grandmother and Florida resident, photographed the oddly colored alligator in her neighborhood, Sorrento Woods. Another resident, Phillip Crosby, also witnessed the animal.

"He was just sun basking right here on this cement pier minding his own business," says Crosby.

Mythen sent the photo to a biologist who claims the orange color is most likely caused by the alligator being half albino. Gary Morse from Florida Fish and Wildlife, however, believes some other environmental element is to blame such as paint or iron oxide.

The residents say the alligator's presence hasn't caused any problems in the neighborhood and he is welcome to stay.

"Those residents may say the alligator is welcome to stay in their neighborhood, but no gators are welcome at Rocky Top!" said Brittany French, freshman at UT.


No comments: