REPORT #82313 SPECIES NAME: Unknown INDIVIDUAL NAME GIVEN: Alligator AGE: Approx. 23 years GENDER: Male PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A large reptilian animal resembling those of the order Crocodilia, with green and orange-brown scales. Its wide, blunt snout resembles those of the genus Alligator. However, its ability to stand and walk on its hind legs gives the impression that it is a more advanced species. PHOTO: [X]
REPORT #20581 SPECIES NAME: Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) INDIVIDUAL NAME GIVEN: Canebrake AGE: 6 years GENDER: Female PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 103cm long snake with scale pattern slightly inconsistent of its species: The orange stripe is broken by each black stripe going horizontally across its body, instead of continuing uninterrupted down the dorsal surface. PHOTO: None taken.
--DAY 3-- "Alligator"'s temperament is becoming more apparent. The subject fearlessly charges anyone that approaches its enclosure. Feeding is becoming more dangerous. The reptile's reckless aggression makes hand feeding a life-threatening endeavor. On an equally worrying note, a female timber rattlesnake has escaped its enclosure and is loose in the facility. This individual has been known to be especially unpredictable, and there is no telling where it could turn up. All staff have been advised to be on high alert and have been ordered to radio security if they locate the escaped snake.
--DAY 5-- Hand feeding of the subject "Alligator" is now forbidden due to a near fatal accident during this morning's feeding in which one of the keepers had fallen into the enclosure. Subject "Alligator" immediately approached in an aggressive manner, but luckily security was nearby and was able to tranquilize the offending animal. The keeper was able to fend off "Alligator" long enough for the sedative to take effect. The subject was removed from its enclosure and relocated temporarily to give staff time to install a chute for feeding the reptile.
--DAY 6-- "Alligator" has been relocated to its original enclosure. Approximately two and one-half hours past with no problems until a security official claimed to had spotted the missing timber rattlesnake. The snake was reported to be hidden in uncleaned leaf litter on the edge of the pool in "Alligator"'s enclosure. Although staff is not concerned about subject "Alligator"'s well being in the presence of the venomous pit viper, we are concerned about the possibility that the snake could be injured or even killed by the aggressive crocodilian-like reptile. Plans on removing the snake from "Alligator"'s enclosure are already under way.