TWRA Captive Wildlife Coord. Capt. Rusty Boles holds a Spectacled Caiman that was deserted behind a Knoxville enterprise final week. This caiman species can develop as much as eight toes in size posing a menace to human security and native wildlife. (TWRA)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After an deserted pet caiman was captured in Knoxville, the Tennessee Wildlife Assets Company and the Knoxville Police Division are warning folks to not abandon their unique pets as they hurt people and threaten native wildlife.
On Wednesday, June 21, the TWRA responded to a request for assist from KPD associated to an deserted caiman, a reptile belonging to the identical household as alligators. Knoxville Animal Management obtained a name round 8:30 a.m. a couple of caiman in a mid-sized aquarium being left on the loading dock of a neighborhood enterprise.
TWRA labored with KPD to seize the animal. As soon as it was captured, it was taken to a facility that’s skilled in dealing with caimans in response to the TWRA.
“Spectacled caimans, which can develop as much as eight toes in size, pose a critical menace to human security. Each time unique species are launched into the setting, they’ll negatively impression native wildlife. Releasing captive wildlife is just not solely unlawful, it’s very irresponsible,” stated Captain Rusty Boles, TWRA Captive Wildlife Coordinator.
It’s authorized to personal caimans in Tennessee, nevertheless, TWRA is reminding captive wildlife homeowners to not abandon them, as this poses “critical security and organic threats” to people and the native ecosystem. Deserted captive wildlife additionally poses a security menace to regulation enforcement officers who’re referred to as to the scene the place unique animals are current.
“When saved in non-native environments, such a wildlife presents a legit potential hazard to regulation enforcement and most of the people,” says KPD Public Info Officer Scott Erland. “It’s necessary that these animals are possessed by accountable and educated people who perceive the inherent dangers and care they require.”
To search out legal guidelines on captive wildlife in Tennessee, go to Wildlife Permits (tn.gov).