Florida woman 'borrows' alligator for birthday photo shoot, stores reptile in bathtub
Florida's woman 'borrows' alligator for birthday photo shoot, stores reptile in bathtub
Florida is notorious for the weirdest news stories, particularly those involving animals. In the latest one, a woman from the US state "borrowed" an alligator from her previous work place. She was apparently planning on having a photoshoot with the reptile.
How does someone 'borrow' an alligator?
The woman, who has been identified as Madison Stephan, actually abducted the alligator from Croc Encounters, a reptile park and alligator farm, based in Tampa, Florida.
Using a key she still had in her possession, the woman sneaked into the park before the hours and "borrowed" the alligator without permission.
Stephan then kept the juvenile alligator in a bath tub at the Grove Resort and Water Park in Winter Garden, the venue of her birthday celebrations.
)
Was Jeffrey Epstein really involved in cannibalism? Here's what DOJ files reveal
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'How do I stop myself', 'I'm not schizophrenic...': Here's what Jesse Strang said in old Reddit posts
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Shadow strike on Iran? A second US supercarrier may join the USS Abraham Lincoln soon
)
‘Unserious and unstable’: Trump’s bizarre gibberish during speech sparks renewed health concerns | WATCH
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Locked and loaded': After USS Abraham Lincoln, US mobilises missile launchers in Qatar
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How can the USS Abraham Lincoln go more than 20 years without refueling?
)
Epstein files revive Joe Biden body double claim previously shared by Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Canada school shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar was visited by police multiple times
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Canada school shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed own mother who once called to end trans hate
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How the destroyers around the USS Abraham Lincoln can track 100 targets at once
)
Iranian demonstrators torch ‘Baal’ statue on 47th Islamic revolution anniversary and chant 'death to Israel'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who was Jesse Strang, alleged transgender suspect in Canada’s mass shooting? Here’s what reports claim
As per The Palm Beach Post, the events have been confirmed by the Florida woman's friend, who told authorities that they both drove to Croc Encounters together where Stephan "had a surprise for her."
Leaving her friend in the car, Stephan walked inside the facility and returned with the alligator. Following this, the two women drove to the hotel for a five-day holiday.
What state was the alligator in?
The alligator was rescued on September 4th by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
As per officials, the roughly two foot long alligator was found "cold to touch," after being in cold water in a bathtub for so long.
Following the rescue, the young alligator was returned to Croc Encounters.
Also read |Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters
What charges does the Florida woman face?
As per the report, John Paner, the owner of Croc Encounters, refused to press charges against Stephan.
However, under state laws, Stephan has been issued a notice for the possession of the alligator.
According to Justia US Law website, in Florida, "Whenever the sale, possession, or transporting of alligators or alligator skins is prohibited by any law of this state, or by the rules, regulations, or orders of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted pursuant to s. 9, Art. IV of the State Constitution, the sale, possession, or transporting of alligators or alligator skins is a misdemeanour of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083."
