A Florida man is facing charges of illegally capturing an alligator after he trapped the reptile in an attempt to trade it for beer. Fernando Caignet Aguilera, 64, committed a second-degree misdemeanor by trapping the creature.
Aguilera trapped the gator at a park and brought it with him to Santa Ana Market, where he attempted to swap it at the counter for a 12-pack of beer, reports CNN. Aguilera apparently told the clerk he needed to “quench his thirst buds.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Jorge Pino said he’s never encountered this situation before. Pino said it is an “extremely unusual situation, and a sad situation for the alligator.” Aguilera could possibly face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine for containing and transporting the animal.
The alligator is reportedly unharmed.