Animal Control Captures Alligator Roaming Around Detroit's West Side

DETROIT (WWJ) - Here's something you don't hear every day: An alligator was captured in the backyard of a home on Detroit's west side.

The alligator was found Wednesday afternoon on Strathmoor Street near Plymouth Road, just south of I-96 and Hubbell Avenue.

A family discovered the reptile roaming around their yard and quickly contacted animal control, which responded and safely removed the 2-foot long animal.

At this point, it's not clear if the animal escaped or was deliberately set free in the neighborhood, but officials believe it was being kept as a pet -- which is illegal.