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Alligators await shipment out of Kelowna

Kelowna man fined $2,500 for a collection including crocodiles and American alligators, one 3.5 metres long
25949BCLN2007American_alligatorsMatthewFieldwikim7web
American alligators are not allowed in B.C. except by special permit

Two large American alligators are awaiting shipment out of the country after being seized from the property of a Kelowna area man last year.

John Douglas Illman pleaded guilty in July to four offences under the Wildlife Act, after a variety of alligators and crocodiles were seized from his property. He was assessed fines totalling $2,500.

The biggest was an American alligator 3.5 metres long, weighing 267 kg.

The smaller animals have been shipped out of the country and the largest two are at a licensed facility awaiting removal from Canada, said Chris Doyle, deputy chief of provincial operations for the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.