Student finds dismembered alligator

A dismembered alligator carcass was found in a vacant lot on Southwest 23rd Street near campus Thursday night only a day after the Associated Press reported that a dismembered crocodile carcass was found at the University of Miami.

"It's gator season," said Gary Henagan, a Gainesville Police officer who responded to the scene. Henagan said hunters had probably taken the alligator's head, tail and hide and dumped the remains. He said Waste Management would pick up the rest in the morning.

Eric Tilden, a UF civil engineering senior, said he found the carcass and ran to tell his roommates across the street.

"The first thing he said was, 'There's a giant dragon in the field!'" said his roommate Ben Fierstein.