Alligator alarm in Vechta: Search for the mysterious reptile!

Alligator alarm in Vechta: Search for the mysterious reptile!

In the Lower Saxony town of Vechta, an unexpected find is causing a stir: a suspected alligator was spotted in a pond, which has put the local authorities on alert. According to the city administration, it could be a young animal about 80 to 100 centimeters long, which may have been released illegally. The scene is a rain retention basin on Schweriner Strasse, where the reptile was discovered. An alert young man filmed the animal, which eventually led to police cordoning off the pond and searching for the reptile.

On Saturday, the area, which covers around 2.5 hectares, was searched twice with a drone, but the animal could not be found. In order to capture the alligator, the city administration uses a live trap with a dead rat as bait. If this doesn't work, the rainwater could even be drained from the tank to make it easier to catch the reptile. According to a city spokesman, there is currently no danger to people or pets because the alligator is considered very shy.

Illegally kept exotic animals – a growing problem

The situation in Vechta raises questions about the keeping of exotic animals in Germany. In many cities, such as Berlin and Brandenburg, different regulations apply to the keeping of such animals. While in Berlin proof of expertise and a certificate of good conduct are required to own exotic animals, things are much more relaxed in Brandenburg. There are only general animal protection and reporting regulations, which are often not enough to guarantee the welfare of these animals. Many exotic animals find their way into animal shelters when owners are overwhelmed, reports Roger Ruschpler from the Berlin animal shelter.

The issue of illegal keeping of alligators is not new. Recently, a 3.4 meter long alligator was confiscated in the USA from an illegal keeping facility in Hamburg, New York. This monstrous reptile owner had the alligator living in a specially constructed annex where he also installed a swimming pool to let visitors interact with the animal. Despite having an expired license, the animal was initially placed with a licensed animal care professional until a long-term solution is found.

In Germany it is legally necessary to have CITES papers for exotic animals that fall under the international species protection program. Missing documents can lead to severe penalties, which can range up to 50,000 euros in fines or even imprisonment. These regulations are intended to help curb illegal animal husbandry while protecting the animals' welfare.

So the exciting incidents in Vechta are not just a local problem, but reflect a larger dilemma that affects many cities in Germany. The authorities are called upon not only to capture the alligator, but also to carry out educational work to ensure that such animals are no longer kept illegally.

For further information on the legal framework in Germany, read the reports from NDR, Weather as well as RBB24.