A Florida retiree has riled other residents at his senior citizens community and wildlife officials by sabotaging alligator traps.
Bill Warner, 80, of Sun City Center faces charges including theft, harassment and sabotage, The Tampa Tribune reported. He plans to represent himself at his trial next week.
"I'm defending the damn alligators -- simple as that," he said.
Warner, a former Manhattan ad man, said he believes alligators are an inescapable part of life in Florida. He points out that nine alligators have been trapped and removed from Middle Lake in two years -- and 150 from Sun City Center.
"It's like living in Africa and saying, 'Come get the lions out of my yard,'" he said.
But he also does not expect to win in court. He told the newspaper his children have warned him "Dad, don't lose your temper or you'll go to jail over this thing."
In fact, he said if the fine is more than $100 he might choose jail.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
