Article Photos

MOUNDSVILLE - If you are planning to wade into Big Wheeling Creek, you might want to watch your toes.

On Thursday evening, some folks sitting on the edge of the creek in Marshall County near the Shoemaker Mine bridge made a startling discovery - an alligator was making its way through the water near where they were sitting.

While the reptile was only about 2 1/2 feet long, its snout and mouth full of teeth caught the spectators' attention. They called Marshall County's 911 dispatchers, who relayed the information to Marshall County Animal Control Officer Jim Noice.

"I went out there last night about 7, but it was getting dark by the time we spotted it again," Noice said. "I told the people I would be out in the morning to catch it."

However, a small crowd gathered at the creek bank as word spread about an alligator in the water. Noice said someone put a net in the water and managed to corral the frisky reptile.

On Friday, Noice had the alligator at the Animal Control Center on Western Avenue in Moundsville. The reptile was not too keen on the idea of having its picture taken, but Noice was able to pick it up without too much trouble.

"I'm taking him over to the animal shelter, and it will eventually be taken to an alligator rescue agency," Noice added.

While it is unusual to find an alligator in Big Wheeling Creek, Noice said another larger alligator was captured in Fish Creek about a year ago.

"It's irresponsible pet owners who do this, and it's not fair to the alligators or to the people along the creeks," Noice said. "People have been known to throw piranhas in the river, alligators in the creeks and sometimes let snakes go, too."

The alligator found Thursday appeared healthy and well-fed. Noice speculated it was feeding well off the crayfish, minnows and other fish in the well-stocked creek. However, he said the alligator would not have lived much longer, as it would not survive colder temperatures.

Earlier this week, Noice responded to a call about a possible mountain lion or bobcat in the Mozart area. He said while nothing was found, there are coyotes and other wild animals roaming the county.

"I would warn anyone who comes across a wild or exotic animal not to try and capture it themselves. They should call animal control and let us handle it. We have the equipment to take care of these things, and it can be very dangerous for the public," Noice said.

Within the past five years, Marshall County animal control officers have captured more than 500 raccoons and responded to numerous calls of loose snakes including a 9-foot boa constrictor, which was found in a dresser drawer in the owner's house.