An alligator found with a kitchen knife sticking in its head after surfacing in a lake in Texas has sparked outrage.
Horrific images of the giant reptile went viral with concerned locals saying they fear it is suffering.
The gator was spotted in the Orchard Lakes Estates, Houston ABC station KTRK reported.
"I feel like somebody did this on purpose," said Erin Weaver, who took the photo of the animal.
Weaver, who has been living in the community for six years, told KRTK she sees alligators "almost every morning."
"Never have I seen them aggressive or even defensive," she added.
"If you walk by and startle them, they just go under water."
The photo of the alligator with the knife in its head had been circulating on social media, and neighbours who saw it wanted to help.
"I don't want to see an alligator swimming around with a knife in his head and suffering," Weaver told the station.
According to Weaver, a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden is expected to evaluate the alligator soon.
Brazos Bend State Park Attendant Chris Bishop told KRTK the gator isn't in pain and could live with the knife in its head for some time.
Erin said the reptiles have long lived in the lake next to residential properties and have never been aggressive to people who live there.
