14 January 2024 , 08:00
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There's nothing more frightening than stumbling upon a scary-looking creature when you least expect it. While it's unlikely you'll ever spot large and dangerous beasts roaming around the streets of the UK, there is always the chance you may be surprised by what is lurking around the corner.
This was the case for one unfortunate teenager who was left panicked after spotting a mysterious crocodile-like creature on his way to school. The school student, from Wales, couldn't believe his eyes after peering at the animal, which appeared to be part fish and part reptile. His discovery went viral after his mother, Claire, posted pictures of the creature on social media - but more than a few people were left raising their eyebrows at what they saw.
The images appear to show an alligator gar (WalesOnline/ WS)
It was thought the dead creature was abandoned after becoming too large for its tank (WalesOnline/ WS)"My son found it on his way to school this morning. He facetimed me straight away," Claire said in her Facebook post from the time the discovery was made in 2020. "It was on the river bank, it looks like it's been put there intentionally or something like that. It was definitely real, it was smelling and starting to rot."
The animal, which is around two and a half feet in length and has a long nose with dozens of terrifying sharp teeth, was spotted by several other walkers on the towpath. While its species is shrouded in mystery, people on social media have been convinced it is an 'alligator gar' - a fish typically found in South America.
"It's mad - a few people have been saying that it looks like a pike and others an alligator gar. I've looked it up online and it does look like an alligator gar," Claire continued.
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At the time, the RSPCA shared this view on the story - and said the "concerning" pictures suggest that the animal may have been abandoned after outgrowing its tank. Alligator gars are currently not allowed to be kept as pets in England and Wales.
"There have been restrictions on the keeping of alligator gar fish in Wales for a number of years; and these would be very difficult animals to keep successfully as they can grow to be very large and their needs are the same as they would be in the wild. Sadly, we all too often see exotic pets abandoned when it hasn't been possible to meet their welfare needs" they added.