Contents
Summary
Two Wasilla brothers threw their exotic pets—a crocodile and an alligator—into the snow after a drunken argument. Alaska proves it can out-Florida Florida.
Alaska Sibling Rivalry Turns Cold-Blooded in Unusual Fight
Alaska Crocodile Alligator Fight: Move over, Florida—there’s a new contender for bizarre reptile drama, and it’s as far from the Everglades as you can get.
In a scene that could only be described as “Florida Man, but make it Alaska,” two brothers in Wasilla made headlines this week for flinging each other’s exotic pets—an alligator and a crocodile—into the snow during an alcohol-fueled dispute.
But don’t worry. This time, the drama didn’t involve any members of the notorious Palin family, which might be the most surprising twist of all.
Brothers Battle Over Anime, Exotic Pets End Up in Snow
Alaska State Troopers were called to the scene of this frosty fiasco last Wednesday evening after Rickey Lowe, 30, reported a disturbance at his apartment on Caryshea Street. Troopers discovered that an argument between Rickey and his older brother Tyler, 33, had escalated into a full-blown brawl—sparked, of all things, by a disagreement over an anime cartoon.
Because when words failed, apparently throwing exotic reptiles into the elements seemed like the logical next step.
According to court documents, Tyler, fueled by anger and what troopers described as “a strong smell of alcohol,” tossed Rickey’s pet alligator—valued at $1,500—into the snow. Rickey retaliated by yeeting Tyler’s $2,000 crocodile into the same frigid fate.
Troopers, Flashlights, and Thermal Devices—But No Crocodile
Alaska State Troopers quickly realized this wasn’t your typical animal cruelty case. The brothers had knowingly subjected their cold-blooded companions to temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, far too chilly for the reptiles to survive.
Troopers spent over an hour searching for the missing crocodile, employing flashlights and thermal imaging devices to no avail. While the alligator was eventually rescued, hiding behind some landscaping rocks, the crocodile’s story had a more tragic ending. Authorities concluded it succumbed to the freezing conditions, cementing its status as Alaska’s unluckiest reptile.
Legal Fallout: Cruelty to Animals, DUI, and Family Drama
Both Rickey and Tyler were charged with animal cruelty for their frigid feud. Rickey also faces charges of driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of his two-year-old child, whom he reportedly drove several miles away from the scene after the incident.
Tyler, for his part, was charged with fourth-degree assault. Both brothers are currently cooling off at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility, perhaps regretting their choice to mix booze, anime, and exotic pets on a snowy Alaskan evening.
Why Exotic Reptiles in Alaska?
If you’re scratching your head wondering why anyone in Alaska—a state famous for bears, moose, and salmon—would own a crocodile or an alligator, you’re not alone. While such pets are rare in the Last Frontier, a small number of Alaskans keep them as exotic curiosities, though not always legally.
According to Alaska’s climate, keeping reptiles requires specialized care, including heated tanks and controlled humidity levels—conditions far removed from the icy tundra where these two poor reptiles found themselves.
When Wasilla Breaks the Internet—Without a Palin Cameo
Let’s take a moment to appreciate that this story hails from Wasilla, a town whose previous brushes with infamy often involved the Palin family. This time, however, the spotlight shifts to two brothers who managed to create a uniquely Alaskan tale of crime, chaos, and crocodiles.
It’s a cold-blooded caper, but hey, at least nobody yelled, “You betcha!”
The Bigger Picture: Animal Welfare and Human Drama
Beyond the absurdity lies a sobering lesson about the responsibilities of pet ownership. Exotic animals require specialized care, and disputes like this highlight the risks of keeping such creatures in environments that don’t suit their needs—or in families prone to throwing snow-covered tantrums.
As Alaska State Troopers put it in their report, the incident underscores the importance of safeguarding both animals and children from situations fueled by alcohol and poor decision-making.
The Takeaway
In a world of Florida gator tales and wild Wasilla drama, this story stands out not just for its absurdity but for its unlikely setting. Here’s hoping that this marks the start of a new era for Wasilla crime stories—one where the reptiles are safe, and the Palins stay out of the headlines.
Source: Alaska Public
