Furtastic Series Banner

5-foot Alligator that scared a Connecticut town turns out to be a stuffed toy

It never hurts to believe most everything is really a hungry alligator.
 By 
Jonathan Keshishoglou
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Never assume a sleeping alligator is just a stuffed toy. This time it was, but never assume.

Folks in Suffield, Connecticut, briefly thought they had a serious gator problem by the Connecticut river. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, in a notably brief investigation, found out that it wasn't responsive to sound, touch or much of anything.

It was a a five-foot long stuffed toy. A realistic one at that, but not realistic enough to eat anyone.


You May Also Like


No word yet from officials on who placed it there, or for what reason (even though scaring people is most likely a reason). Everyone is just relieved that it wasn't an actual living thing, hungry for townsfolk.  

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.


Topics Animals

Mashable Image
Jonathan Keshishoglou

Jonathan Keshishoglou (he often shortens that last part to just "Kesh") was an editorial intern on the Mashable Watercooler team. Watch him ramble coherently on Twitter: @keshception

Mashable Potato

More from Furtastic

Recommended For You
The internet is rooting for this abandoned baby monkey and his stuffed animal
a baby Japanese macaque monkey


Valentine's Day sex toy deals are already heating up. Save up to 85% on famous toys.
close-up detail shot of red rose with suggestive curves


How I make 6 figures on OnlyFans selling feet pics
foot in a stiletto on a platform with dollar bills falling around it

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!