Dad Calls the Cops on Son for Photo of 'Hacked' Alligator

A 19-year-old Florida man was arrested late last week for allegedly killing an alligator in a manner outside the law. But it's how authorities found out about it that might raise a few eyebrows.

Corey Hardie was arrested and released on bond for allegedly killing an alligator illegally. (Image source: Palm Beach Sheriff's Office via WPEC-TV)

It was Corey Hardie's father, Tim Hardie, who turned him in to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators, according to the Palm Beach Post.

In August, Corey Hardie had texted his dad a photo of a dead alligator he had "hacked" with a machete, the Post reported of the offense report.

After Tim Hardie had notified authorities of the text, investigators turned up at his son's door on Sept. 30. The offense report describes Corey as appearing "visibly shaken up and extremely nervous about our presence."

Corey initially told investigators his friend, an unidentified 27-year-old, had killed the reptile. Officials questioned the friend, who had them listen to a voicemail left by Corey, in which he apologized for laying blame on him and admitted to killing the alligator himself, the Post reported.

The Sun-Sentinel reported that officials wanted to give Hardie the opportunity to explain why he initially gave false information, but they couldn't get in contact with him.

Corey was arrested Friday and released on $6,000 bail Saturday.

He faces charges for illegally killing an alligator and others for providing false information.

“Alligators can be legally taken only by individuals with proper licenses and permits,” FWC spokeswoman Carli Segelson told the Post. “Otherwise, state law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators.”

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