The city of Huntsville plans to add signs in an area where an alligator recently attacked and killed a resident’s dog.
The dog’s owner told WAFF 48 that his golden retriever was killed in May by the large gator after running through the brush in south Huntsville. The dog was out with the owner’s two children who were shooting BB guns outside.
The city released a statement Wednesday responding to the attack.
“Wildlife coexists with us throughout the City and surrounding areas,” the statement said. “It’s important for citizens and homeowners to be aware of the types of wildlife in their particular area and notify us when they have concerns about hazards related to such animals. In this case, the citizen did notify us and we have been working with Alabama Fish & Wildlife, which has jurisdiction over this type of animal.”
The city said they are taking steps to make residents in the area more aware of the gators.
“We have placed signs along the greenway in that area reminding people of the potential presence of alligators and are in the process of adding more signs around the swamp and pond areas where people might venture off the greenway,” the statement said.
Huntsville City Councilman Bill Kling believes the city will address the issue further.
“I expect that there will be discussion about this at next Thursday’s City Council meeting,” Kling said in a statement to Yellowhammer News.
Former Congressman Mo Brooks also weighed in on the situation Thursday on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show because he and his family frequent the area where the alligator was spotted.
“I use that bike and walking path where the alligator killed that dog on a regular basis with little kids,” Brooks said, “and I’m most distressed that the city of Huntsville is not being as proactive as they can be about these gators.
“If I were in charge, and I’m not, I would do one of two things. I would kill them on the spot or I would capture them and send them down to a nice swamp in Louisiana or Mississippi or Florida, some place that is more their habitat.”
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
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