Authorities in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, have apprehended a man in his 30s suspected of illegally owning and keeping an alligator that was recently discovered and captured in a local stream. The individual, identified as Mr. A, is under investigation for alleged violations of the Wildlife Protection and Management Act.
Alligator Discovery Sparks Investigation
The incident came to light on May 18th when the Yeoju Fire Department received a report of an alligator swimming in the Songcheon stream in Chang-dong, Yeoju City. Responding to the unusual sighting, the fire department mobilized seven personnel and two vehicles to safely capture the reptile. The alligator, measuring approximately 50 centimeters in length, was subsequently transferred to the National Institute of Ecology.
Following the capture, investigators began looking into the alligator’s origins and ownership. Their inquiries led them to Mr. A, who resides in the vicinity of where the alligator was found. On May 26th, police arrested Mr. A at his home, initiating the formal investigation into his alleged illegal possession of the exotic animal.
Allegations of Illegal Purchase and Ownership
Investigators suspect that Mr. A purchased the alligator for 1.2 million South Korean won (approximately $870 USD) in 2023 through an online forum dedicated to trading reptiles. The species of alligator in question is classified as a Group 1 critically endangered species under international regulations. Owning or trading such species without proper authorization is strictly prohibited by law.
The police consider the very act of purchasing and keeping the alligator without the necessary permits to be illegal. Mr. A has been formally taken into custody based on this assessment.
Suspect’s Account and Ongoing Investigation
During questioning, Mr. A reportedly stated that he bought the alligator from an online cafe three years ago. However, he denied intentionally releasing the animal, claiming it disappeared from his residence about two weeks prior to its discovery in the stream. His account suggests the possibility of an accidental escape rather than a deliberate abandonment.
Despite Mr. A’s statements, the police are pursuing a comprehensive investigation. They are meticulously examining the details of the case and plan to expand their inquiry to identify the seller or distributor of the alligator, further tracing the reptile’s path from acquisition to its appearance in the wild.
Legal Framework for Wildlife Protection
The Wildlife Protection and Management Act in South Korea is designed to safeguard endangered species and regulate the trade and ownership of exotic animals. The
