Atlanta 7/25/2013 11:42:49 PM
News / Nature

Alligator Killed In NC After Eating Siberian Husky

North Carolina public safety authorities killed an alligator Wednesday for eating an 80 pound Siberian Husky the day before. Authorities initially contemplated relocating the 500 pound gator, but ultimately determined the animal was a threat to the public because it showed aggressive behavior.

According to Jacksonville officials, Simba was walking off leash with his owners near Mill Creek at the River Street and Henderson Drive intersection Tuesday evening when the 12-foot gator attacked. Owners Drew Minx and Amy Matz described the attack to NewsChannel 12.

“This behemoth of a gator just came out of nowhere – grabbed him, smashed him, took him under and disappeared,” Minx said.

“When I got down here, there was absolutely nothing left of him at all,” Matz added.

The alligator, which was believed to be around 80 years old, was located in the creek Wednesday and shot three times. When its body was recovered later in the afternoon, Simba’s remains were found inside. Simba was cremated and his ashes were returned to Minx and Matz.