Florida

WEIRD: Headless gator found on side of Florida roadway

By AP and Kelly Healey

A massive alligator, similar to the one pictured here, was caught just hours after hunting season opened in Mississippi Monday. The 13-foot-6-inch gator might tie or even beat the state record for heaviest male gator caught in public waters. 

By AP and Kelly Healey

SARASOTA, Fla. — Florida wildlife officials said they are investigating what happened to an alligator found without its head on the side of a roadway.

The gator was found Monday by Kimberly Kukich, who was driving to her parents' home in Sarasota. As she got closer to the large gator, she saw its head was missing.

Kukich said in a Facebook post that it looks like someone used a chain saw to cut the gator's head off.

In the Facebook post, Kukich wrote she was "fired up." And, that she didn't "want to start seeing this happening from copy cats."

Now the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is on the case. The FWC said it's illegal to possess alligator parts without proper permits.

Investigators said the gator was likely hit by a vehicle and its head was removed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact FWC.

(WARNING: The Facebook post below contains graphic content)

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

My friend just said whoever did this is trying to show off. I think they wanted the head as a trophy.. Anyone from...

Posted by Kimberly Kukich on Monday, September 30, 2019

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