Man ticketed for trying to trade gator for beer

FWC officials: Fernando Aguilera ticketed for trying to trade live alligator for beer at Allapattah store

ALLAPATTAH, Fla. – Florida wildlife officials say a man tried to trade a live alligator for beer at an Allapattah convenience store.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Jorge Pino says 64-year-old Fernando Aguilera received a citation for illegally capturing and trying to sell the gator at Santa Maria Market. Surveillance video showed him walk up to the counter with the 4-foot-long gator in his hands.

"His motivation was clear and he admitted to it, that he just wanted to have beer in his system," said Pino. "He said he trapped the alligator and made the decision to try to find somebody that would want to barter or trade the alligator for a 12 pack of beer."

When Aguilera proposed to trade the animal for a 12-pack of beer, the store clerk called authorities.

Pino says the alligator was "pretty much in good shape." The animal back into the wild.

If convicted, Aguilera faces up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.