Alligator found in backpack of man trying to get high, FWC officials say

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Four men and a juvenile were arrested Sunday on suspicion of picking mushrooms at the Little Big Econ State Forest in Seminole County to get high, and one of them had an alligator in his backpack, wildlife officials said.

Rick Daniel Myers was arrested on drug charges and one count of possession of an alligator.  Tyler Michael Salzma, Gregory Matthew Sansota, another man and a juvenile were also arrested.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, wildlife officials found the group picking mushrooms and discovered a 2-foot gator wrapped in a bandana in Myers' backpack.

Myers said he picked the alligator from a nearby field and planned to take photos of it before letting it go, wildlife officials said.