It’s been a while since I’ve been down to Florida so correct me if I’m wrong, but the saying there doesn’t go “Florida: Where the streets are paved with alligators!” Right? But then why would a man think he could trade a live, four-foot long alligator for a pack of beer at a convenience store? Oh, right. People will try anything once.

NBC Miami (link has autoplay video) has the security footage from the store where the man appears to walk in with the gator cradled in his arms.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, he had allegedly found the gator at a nearby park before trapping it so he could bring it to the store. When he tried to make the trade with the clerk — six-pack for gator, eh? Eh? Tempted? — the worker instead called the cops.

“This is absolutely bizarre. I can’t imagine somebody wanting to barter a live, 4-foot alligator for a 12-pack of beer. It makes no sense to me,” a spokesman for the commission said.

Police officers arrived on the scene and confiscated the gator, citing the man for taking possession of and trying to sell the alligator. But at least the little guy didn’t seem to have suffered from his brief foray as currency.

“It was pretty much in good shape, we didn’t notice any unusual conditions on it,” the wildlife commission spokesman said, adding, “I have never experienced anything like this in 25 years in law enforcement.”

Man Tried to Trade Live Alligator for Beer at Miami Store: FWC [NBC Miami]

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