Fishing trip nets alligator

RENSSELAER, Ind. (WLFI) - Two Newton County teens hauled in quite a catch while fishing on the Iroquois near Rensselaer.

Casey Sonaty said he and a buddy saw a shadow under their boat that turned out to be a 150-pound alligator that was over six feet in length.

The teens tried to shoot it with a carp bow, but it didn't penetrate the gator's skin.

So they got a shot gun from a neighbor's house and killed it.

A conservation officer was called, but no charges were filed because alligators are not considered game in Indiana.

The conservation officer told the teens it was probably a pet that grew too big and was released.

According to the rules governing wildlife in Indiana, any alligator over five feet long is classifed as a dangerous reptile, and the possession of dangerous reptiles is prohibited except by zoos in this state.