Two area deer hunters recently got a bit of a surprise, not by taking a trophy deer but by nabbing an American Alligator. The two were tracking a deer when one of them spotted the creature on the bank of a northern Rush County waterway.
After the alligator alerted to their presence it quickly made its way into the water. After a few moments the two hunters spotted it under the water and one was able to grab it by the tail and toss it onto the bank. The alligator later measured in at 37 inches, not a monster but still able to inflict a nasty bite if given the opportunity.
Alligators and other species of crocodilian are not able to survive Midwestern winters but may survive through our warmer weather as long as food is available and they are able to elude predation.
The mere possession of small alligators is not prohibited by law, with many being bought and sold through the commercial pet trade. When they are 5 feet in length or over, a state inspection of the facility and the animal must be done by Indiana Conservation Officers prior to the required permit being issued.
The matter is being investigated by Conservation officers. It is not yet known if the alligator had been a pet and escaped or was put into the waterway when it became unwanted by its owner(s). It is illegal to release exotic animals into the wild. Anyone with information about the origin of or release of this alligator is encouraged to relay the information to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources tip line at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (847-4367).
This may be done anonymously.
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‘Gator grabbed by the tail
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RCCF Education Fund Grants awarded
The Rush County Education Fund Grants Committee recently met to review grant applications for the 2012 grant cycle and to make their recommendations to the Rush County Community Foundation's Board of Directors.
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Commissioners hear of feasibility study
The Rush County Commissioners met earlier this week and heard a report regarding a feasibility study currently underway regarding the city possibly running an ambulance service out of the Rushville Fire Department.
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Pool open
Waggener Community Pool will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. The pool will be closed Monday and Tuesday and then open again Wednesday as was originally scheduled. Information: 932-7100.
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Farmers Market
The Rush County Farmers and Artisans Market kicks off the 2012 season at 9 a.m. Saturday in the 100 block of East Third Street in downtown Rushville!
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Good Samaritan recognized for heroic efforts
The lives of three complete strangers became intertwined the morning of Oct. 25, 2011.
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Lion Project showing community pride
If you've been paying attention, you'll have noticed that new concrete lions are showing up all over town.
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Waggener Pool opening Saturday and Sunday
In an update to this story, the City announced plans today to open Waggener Community Pool earlier than originally planned due to expected high temperatures over Memorial Weekend. Mayor Mike Pavey has asked that the pool be open this coming Saturday and Sunday. Hours will be noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. The pool will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day and Tuesday, and open again Wednesday, May 30, as was originally scheduled.
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Why do young white women risk cancer to be tan?
A CDC report out this month found that nearly one in three white women aged 18 to 25 had used a tanning booth in the previous year. White women aged 18 to 21 went the most often, averaging 27.6 sessions per year—that’s over two sessions per month—while nearly 70 percent said they had gone at least 10 times in the last year.
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Collision lands driver in Indy trauma center
A Milroy woman sustained serious injuries in a single vehicle accident on SR 244 west of Milroy that was reported shortly after 1 p.m. Monday.
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Todd resigns
Bill Todd (center) is pictured during a recent meeting of the Rush County Commissioners at which he formally announced that he had turned in his resignation as the Rush County Area Plan Director. Todd has served in the capacity of APC director since 1998.
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RCCF Education Fund Grants awarded



