Man seen trying to trade alligator for beer

A man in Miami adopted an unusual tactic when trying to buy a pack of beer recently by offering the cashier a live alligator.

Fernando Caignet Aguilera, 64, entered the Santa Ana Market in the US city on December 10th in pursuit of liquid refreshment, which he quickly located in the retail outlet.

But Mr Aguilera was not interesting in handing over cash for the 12-pack of beer he wanted to purchase. Instead, he produced a live alligator and began bartering with the staff.

He is believed to have found the reptile in a nearby park and his bizarre stunt has landed him in trouble with the authorities, as rather than enter negotiations with the shopper, the shop workers on duty decided to call the police.

Mr Aguilera has been charged with offences relating to illegally capturing the animal and trying to sell it unlawfully.

The whole incident was caught on CCTV and shows the horrified staff as they were first given a glimpse of the alligator, which was then offered to them.

Jorge Pino, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, explained: "I have never experienced anything like this in 25 years in law enforcement. This is absolutely bizarre. It makes no sense to me.

"[The alligator] was pretty much in good shape, we didn't notice any unusual conditions on it."

Mr Aguilera's crazy antics did not end with the alligator episode though, as he was later reported to have lunged at a photographer. The snapper was outside his home with other members of the media when the Miami man allegedly lost his temper.

He is also said to have demanded money for interviews before the attack, while a report has now been filed against his name.