Pittsburgh leaders still trying to figure out bill to ban alligators

PITTSBURGH — Before the COVID-19 pandemic dominated our world, there was a time where nearly every month, a new alligator was being discovered in some corner of Pittsburgh.

In May 2019, a family fishing along the Mon River called authorities after spotting an alligator near the Southside Riverfront Park. In June, Chomp, a five-foot alligator, was found by someone walking their dog in Beechview. Weeks later, a 2 1/2 foot alligator was found and taken off the front porch of a home in Carrick. In July, a baby alligator startled employees showing up to work at a Shaler Giant Eagle. Things were all quiet on the gator front until October, when Gus, a baby alligator, was found near the Allegheny River in Lawrenceville.

Pittsburgh Councilman Brue Kraus introduced a bill to ban people and businesses from owning, selling, exchanging or adopting crocodiles, alligators and turtles last year.

According to our partners at TribLive.com, there are a number of issues that still need to be worked out before that legislation can become law. One major problem: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium would technically be in violation. The zoo is also in violation of its lease with the city due to accreditation issues.