Unexpected Encounter: A 1.5-Meter Caiman Alligator Found Roaming the Streets of Kaohsiung, Taiwan

After a Recent Green Iguana Sighting, Kaohsiung Residents Face Another Wild Surprise: A Caiman Alligator Wandering a Major Intersection

Kaohsiung, Taiwan - Residents of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, were surprised on the morning of July 13th when a 1.5-meter-long Spectacled Caiman alligator was spotted roaming the intersection of Dazhi Road and Chengguan Road in Renwu District.

The sighting, which occurred around 4 a.m., prompted immediate calls to the authorities. The Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau quickly dispatched personnel to capture the alligator. The animal, believed to be a pet, was successfully secured and is currently being held while authorities attempt to locate its owner.

This incident comes shortly after reports of a large Green Iguana sighting in the vicinity of Chengcing Lake. The Green Iguana, which also caused quite a stir, prompted an increase in patrols by the Agriculture Bureau, resulting in the capture of several Iguanas, including two that measured approximately 140 centimeters in length.

The Agriculture Bureau reminds pet owners of the Animal Protection Act, specifically Article 20, which mandates that pets in public spaces must be accompanied by someone over the age of seven. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$15,000.

The recent events highlight the diverse wildlife and the ongoing efforts of the Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau to manage and protect both the local environment and its residents.