A baby cow and it's owner have gone missing after police found them sleeping in a shipping container next to a seven foot alligator. Pierce County Sheriff Department revealed that American officers uncovered the unexpected trio at a property in Washington State's Lakebay Area, US.
Animal control had responded to a second call they had received to look over the property after no animals appeared to be present during their first visit. According to the sheriff's department, the calf was discovered to be very poorly during the second inspection, the Daily Star reports.
However, when police returned to check up on the cow and remove the alligator, the calf and it's 32-year-old owner had disappeared with their whereabouts still remaining a mystery. In Washington, it is against the law to keep alligators as pets and they are not native to the state.
Sergeant Darren Moss Jr, the public information officer at the Pierce County Sheriff Department, informed NewsWeek: "The alligator had free roam to move down to where the owner was sleeping. There was also just a small gate separating the gator from the baby calf.
"An alligator is a dangerous animal and people should not keep them for pets. They are kept at wildlife reserves and zoos, but there are usually trained professionals at those places and a lot more space that matches their natural habitats.
"Insurance definitely won't cover you having an alligator in your home or cover if someone else is attacked or injured by the animal. On top of all that, it is just flat out illegal to own alligators in Washington State."
A video clips of the cops attempting to safely lure the reptile out of the container has been posted on Twitter and after the deadly creature has been transferred into the vehicle, an officer is heard praising the animal: You're doing good buddy. You're a good boy and you're going to go play in a big open area."
The rescued alligator is now under the care of a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary and is in good health "It will now get to spend its time in a large habitat rather than a tiny storage container," the sheriff's department declared.
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