JESSUP, Md. (WJZ)— Anne Arundel police found more than just drugs while serving a warrant at a Jessup man's home.

Christie Ileto has more on the wild discovery.

Neighbor Jada Knight says "Where the Wild Things Are" has come to her street.

"It's not supposed to be a pet. You would think a dog or a cat, not an alligator," Knight said.

But that's exactly what Anne Arundel police say they found when they were serving a drug warrant at Michael Golden's home in Jessup. Officers say it wasn't the more than $3,000 worth of marijuana but the three-foot reptile that was a shocker!

"It's definitely an anomaly, an unlikely encounter," said Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson. "Not something detectives find when they're serving a warrant."

No one came to the door at Golden's home but the unusual discovery has left residents stunned and perplexed.

"It was a surprise. It was pretty big," said neighbor Juanita Miller.

It's unclear how Golden got the alligator or why he even had it, but one thing is for sure--it's illegal for exotic animals like alligators to be in a private residence.

"He minds his business, but we were surprised," said Corey Harris.

Police say it appears the reptile was being used as a household pet...a pet neighbors say belongs nowhere else but the zoo.

"I thought it was stupid to have one of them in a trailer," Miller said.

Police say the alligator was healthy and has been taken to a facility for exotic animals.

Police charged Golden with possession of marijuana and intent to distribute.