An alligator was found in a home in Ohio by the police, 25 years after it was purchased by the family.
Last week, the police received an unusual tip from a woman in Madison Township, leading them to her basement. There, they stumbled upon a fully grown, 5-foot-long American alligator.
“I’ve never seen anything like that in my 17 years in the department,” said Madison Township Police Commander Darrell Breneman, speaking to CNN.
The homeowner explained that her son had purchased the alligator at a reptile flea market 25 years ago and had been keeping it in the basement ever since, as per the police.
The gator, which was in good condition, was voluntarily surrendered by the family, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture removed it from the home, the police stated.
Wildlife officials will transport the alligator to an animal sanctuary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where it will spend its retirement in warmer weather.
Alligators are prohibited in Ohio, and the possession of hyenas, lions, tigers, bears, and several other wild animals is also forbidden under Senate Bill 310.
Watch the video below.
Police found a fully grown, 5-foot-long American alligator living in the basement of an Ohio home. The homeowner said her son bought the gator at a reptile flea market 25 years ago and kept it in the basement ever since, police said.
— CNN (@CNN) March 2, 2020
