Residents in a Texas neighborhood witnessed an unusual sight swimming near their homes this week.
It wasn’t the gator that was unusual, but the knife sticking out of its head.
Homeowner Erin Weaver tells ABC affiliate KTRK that she and other neighbors are upset to see the alligator injured. She says that she’s lived in the neighborhood for six years and has never seen them act aggressive or defensive.
“I feel that somebody did this on purpose,” she said. “I can’t imagine this animal going after somebody that they would have to defend themselves, because we’ve never had that happen before.”
Weaver says that she and her neighbors are hoping to find help for the gator before its too late.
“I want to get help for this alligator. I don’t want to see an alligator swimming around with a knife in its head and suffering.”
Texas Parks and Wildlife is expected to head out to the neighborhood sometime next week to check in on the animal.
KTRK spoke with several officials who noted that alligators are very resilient creatures that are resistant to infection and can live with wounds like this for their entire lives.
Read more for KTRK, here.
