CARNEGIE, Pa.,None — A group cleaning up the Chartiers Creek in Carnegie found a reptile native to South America that experts said is likely someone's discarded pet.
Melissa Rohm said she was paddling along the creek on Sunday when she grabbed the caiman, a reptile that's related to alligators and crocodiles.
"I was paddling, picking up trash along the shore and I saw what I thought was a plastic alligator, because I have one at home in my garden. Then he moved, and I realized it was alive," said Rohm.
Rohm said her husband duct-taped the animal's mouth closed.
"We all came over and put some tape on his mouth, and I stuck him in my kayak," said David Rohm, of Paddle Without Pollution.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officials were called and took custody of the animal that was about 2 feet long and weighed less than 10 pounds.
Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer Keith Myers said he planned to keep the animal in his basement until he can find a zoo or another such facility to care for the creature.
"If you are going to bring on one of these as a pet, you need to realize this is a long-term commitment and these are non-native species, and you can't let them go into the wild. This little guy wouldn't have made it through the winter," said Myers.
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