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Firefighters Rescue Pet Alligator from Burning Trailer Park

By Stephanie Rabiner, Esq. on July 28, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Forget the dogs, chickens, and cows--the alligator is taking over the Great White North.

In yet another strange story involving the prickly reptile, firefighters in Lewiston, Idaho were called to a local trailer park on Friday evening when a single-wide caught on fire.

Though the owners were not home, firefighters still had to rescue a pet alligator.

Owner Joseph Witherup doesn't appear to be too worried about the loss of his trailer, with the Associated Press reporting that he's merely thankful that his pet alligator, along with a few other animals, were rescued from the blaze.

Oddly enough, Lewiston firefighters appeared to be prepared to rescue a pet alligator. According to the AP, they removed the 1 1/2-foot-long caged reptile and immediately transferred it to a cooler.

At this point, it's unclear whether Joseph Witherup will regain custody of his pet alligator, as its presence appears to violate local ordinances.

In Lewiston, Idaho, it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets without a state permit. This includes "reptile[s]...which can be normally found in a wild state," such as alligators.

It is unknown whether Witherup has a permit.

However, it is also illegal to keep a dangerous animal, which is defined as "any animal whose temperament or habits create a reasonable apprehension of injury."

It might be reasonable to be afraid of an alligator.

Whatever the fate of Joseph Witherup's alligator, at least Lewiston firefighters are now positive as to how to rescue a pet alligator. You know, in case another one shows up in the near future.

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