Alligators in the Sewer

Myth: There are alligators living in the sewers.

True or False: False!

     Ok, it is possible that an alligator could find its way into the sewer. Most commonly, the urban legend says they’re illegal baby alligators that people have tried to keep, then flushed down the toilet when they didn’t want them any more. So, here we have a possible cause; but, could the alligator really live there for very long? No! Sewer water is generally cold and very polluted (the water and the air). The nasties in the water would be enough to kill off most living things, but alligators also need warmth and sunlight. They hunt well at night, but need warm water and sunlight to regulate their body temperature, they’re cold blooded. Also, there is no way they could meet other very lost alligators and produce baby alligators or make and keep appropriate nests for the eggs if they got that far.
    So, no alligators, or any other reptiles for that matter. No rats and other creepy things that Hollywood tells us are supposed to be there. Nothing like that would even try to survive there for very long. Sorry guys, that goes for the goldfish you tried to set free, by flushing it down the toilet, when you were three.
    What is true? Well, there is a different type of sewer: it’s called a storm sewer or more appropriately a drain. These are drainage systems that run underground and have water in them, but it’s rain water or other natural water that is being drained, or led away, from areas where it gathers (like our streets or backyards). This water generally isn’t too dirty, it just runs through the pipes to a new home- a river, lake or canal. Would alligators try to live in here? No, but if the exit covering hasn’t been maintained and it is located in a place they all ready live, the alligator might treat the opening as a cave or shelter.