PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — A 4.5-foot American alligator discovered at a Prince George’s County residence has been safely relocated after Maryland Natural Resources Police were contacted by the family of its deceased owner.
Because it is illegal to privately possess American alligators in Maryland, officers worked with the family to voluntarily surrender the animal rather than leave it in unsuitable conditions, the agency said.
Ofc. Sonia Dohrn, an experienced exotic wildlife handler with Natural Resources Police, transported the reptile to Eco Adventures in Millersville for temporary care. It has since been moved to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont, where it will remain under professional supervision.
Officials urged residents to report illegally kept exotic animals to the Maryland Natural Resources Police tip line at 410-260-8888.
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Look at the huge smile on Officer Dohrn’s face, she’s definitely in her element 💚
Did I miss something? Did the aligator kill its owner?