8 Foot Alligator Removed From Philadelphia Rowhome

When you don't live near swamp land a story about an 8 foot alligator being removed from a home hits a bit differently. That's what happened at a rowhome in North Philadelphia. Animal control were called to a house on Wyoming Avenue, Tuesday morning because the homeowner needed their 12 year old pet removed from their basement. Animal Control was alerted that the pet was a 5 foot long alligator, but quickly found out the measurement was about 3 feet short.

The alligator, which Animal Control named 'Big Mack', had been living in the basement of the home since 2011. As Big Mack grew, so did his pen that was made using plywood and chicken wire. The homeowner and her husband had separated and she decided it was time for the alligator to go too. When asked if she was ever worried, she admitted she was a little scared that it might make it upstairs.

You really need to check out the entire thread of tweets about the removal on Fox 29's Steve Keeley's Twitter account. The best part is the woman with Animal Control who is holding the tail telling the guy that once you get the mouth closed you can grab it to keep it shut because they don't have a lot of strength to open it. Which is true, but it's much easier to say that from 8 feet away when you're holding the tail not staring into the dinosaurs mouth.

Big Mack will be sent to an animal sanctuary in Michigan where he will spend the remainder of his life in a much better place than a Philadelphia basement.

With warmer weather arriving it's festival season, and the Philadelphia area has plenty of beer fests. What is better than drinking beer inside with a large group? Drinking beer outside with a large group! That's why spring, summer and fall beer fest so great. In just over a month it's Philly Beer Week - be sure to save that page for upcoming Philadelphia beer fests

If you're itching for those outdoor beers with friends, look no further. Below is a list (ordered by date) of some of the festivals in our area where you can have some of that sweet, sweet nectar of life... Beer!

2pm - 6pm at the Danube Swabian Association - 1277 Southampton Road, Philadelphia.

German, specialty and craft beer on site. Food and other merchandise available for purchase.

Tickets for the event are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Advanced tickets here.

11am - 6pm SLy Fox Brewing - 331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown, PA.

Happening on the first Sunday in May since 2000. Beer, food and goat races.

Various tickets for purchase. Some come with 1/2 or 1 liter souvenir mugs.

Tickets for the festival or to register your goats available here: Sly Fox Brewing

1pm - 4pm Schauffele Plaza (across from Ardmore Music Hall)

50+ beers and music.

Portion of proceeds benefit Ardmore Initiative.

Tickets available at Ardmore Music Hall.

1pm (rain or shine) The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland Mansion, 4100 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia.

Sample items from local breweries, distilleries and coffee shops. Live entertainment, competitive cornhole tournament and more.

Tickets available for Pints in the Park Fundraiser.

12pm - 5pm at Montgomery County 4H Center - 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, PA

Breweries from around the Philadelphia region. Pretty strong list of breweries participating. Proceeds benefit the Skippack Historical Society and the 4H center of Montgomery County.

Tickets and Info: Still Waters Brewfest

2 days of beer and music.

Session 1: June 3, 2pm-6pm

Session 2: June 4, 12pm-4pm

100+ breweries, food and music all at Bader Field. This year's The Dropkick Murphy's and 311.

Tickets available here: Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

12pm-4pm Warwick Farm Brewing - 800 Almshouse Road, Jamison, PA.

Their first annual ticketed beer festival will feature as many as 40 different breweries.

Info at Warick Farm Brewing.