Biologists in Idaho are in possession of a fairly large alligator that was discovered by folks out walking their dog.
The unidentified “reporting party” spotted the 3-1/2-foot alligator moving through bushes adjacent to a New Plymouth-area street on Oct. 20.
The reptile was captured and placed in horse trailer. Biologists with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game picked up the alligator on Oct. 21.
Alligators prefer tropical climate and cannot survive for long in the wild in Idaho. It could be that somebody had been keeping the gator as a pet.
“In all likelihood, this alligator got loose from someone, and we are interested in finding the owner,” Matt O’Connell, Regional Conservation Officer for Idaho Fish and Game, stated in a news release.
The agency added that it’s against the law to possess alligators in Idaho without proper permits.
In the news release and on Facebook, IDFG asked that anyone with helpful information telephone the Southwest Regional Office at 208-465-8465, or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999.