Dangers of an Abandoned School

From MSNBC.con.

Who knew abandoned schoolhouses were so prevalent.

And the dangers that lurk inside of them...

Alligator starts abandoned school fire
updated 10:12 p.m. ET, Fri., March. 6, 2009

PENNSYLVANIA: Authorities believe an alligator may be to blame for a fire inside an abandoned school.

The blaze began at the former Mount Jackson Elementary School in North Beaver Township, near New Castle.

Authorities said the man who owns the property, Brian Simpson, was living with a menagerie of animals in the building, including the alligator, about 70 rabbits and unspecified "aquatic animals."

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is now involved in caring for the animals rescued from the fire.

Fire Chief Paul Henry said the building's owner believes the alligator started the fire by knocking over a portable heater.

Firefighters removed the animal, but only after taping its mouth shut.

"I basically got on top of it," said Wes Osborne, of Crit-R-Done Wildlife Control. "One of the fellows in there had already handled it a little bit by the tail, and we were able to duct-tape it to keep anybody from getting bit."

Neighbors said they've been complaining about the rundown property for years.

"My concerns are the hazard to children that play in the neighborhood," said neighbor Missy Argiro. "It's an eyesore, obviously. I've known that he's had animals in there for many years. We can hear dogs barking every night."

The Fish and Game Commission said no laws were broken, so they're turning all the animals back over to the owner.