MINERAL SPRINGS.– A Louisiana man and a local trapper captured an alligator at a wastewater treatment plant in Clearfield County Tuesday morning, according to GANT News partner, WJAC.
Loustalot and Gary Sunderland, owner of Sunderland Wildlife Pest Control, captured the alligator around 10:30 a.m. after a three-day hunt.
The mysterious alligator had been swimming at the wastewater treatment plant in Mineral Springs since last week. Officials said they don’t know where it came from, but believe it was someone’s pet.
“When I woke up in the morning (Sunday) and got a call about coming to look at a gator, I said ‘I’ve never done that before,'” Sunderland said. “I came to check it out and here we are.”
Loustalot and Sunderland tried baiting the gator and snagging it with a fishing hook. After several unsuccessful attempts, they tried using a boat.
“My buddy Dave (Loustalot) paddled and maneuvered me into position and I saw the water turn,” Sunderland said. “I dove my neck down in there and slid sideways and we had him in the net.”
“I got the gator pinned in the corner and five minutes later the gator was in the boat and taped up,” Loustalot said.
The alligator was transported by officials with One Dog at a Time to Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary in Lancaster.
It will then be taken to Florida to live in its natural habitat.
“I’m excited about it being under control,” Sunderland said.
“I feel good,” Loustalot said. “I’m glad I could help and I”m glad I could assist.”
The Fish and Boat Commission said they are investigating to find out who put the alligator in the wastewater. They said the person responsible is looking at summary offenses, as well as restitution to the Woodland-Bigler Municipal Authority and Sunderland.