Alligator’s death by stabbing leads to charges against angler

SARASOTA, Fla. – A fisherman was cited for killing an alligator nicknamed Elvis who lived in a golf course community’s pond. The man said he stabbed the reptile in self-defense.

Rick Allen Burns, 49, faces up to 60 days in jail and a fine if convicted on a misdemeanor charge of possession of an alligator without a permit.

Five-foot-long Elvis was found dying in October with a hunting knife in its head. A $1,000 reward for information was posted and an anonymous tip led to Burns, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Friday.

Residents said Elvis first showed up at their pond about 18 months ago, and had never hurt anyone – or ducks living nearby.

Burns told investigators, however, that he stabbed the alligator after he bit the fisherman’s baited hook, then lunged at Burns when he tried to cut the line.

“Some people are not aware of the seriousness of violating Florida’s Wildlife Codes and are surprised to find that the FWC takes these situations very seriously,” investigator Mike Frantz said in a statement.