INDIANAPOLIS – Alligators in Indiana? That’s exactly what state troopers found near I-465 Sunday afternoon.
Indiana State Police troopers were called to I-465 near the 48-mile marker just before 2:30 p.m. for reports of a live alligator.
Troopers say the two-foot gator had visible injuries consistent with falling, or being thrown from a moving vehicle.
They immediately contacted animal control and one trooper actually picked up the alligator to keep it from running into traffic.
? Troopers were called to I-465 SB near the 48mm (in INDIANAPOLIS) on reports of live Alligator.
YES AN ?! pic.twitter.com/UMuIkzNInM
— Sgt. John Perrine (@ISPIndianapolis) September 18, 2016
Unfortunately, before animal control arrived, the alligator died.
Troopers believe this could be a case of someone improperly disposing of, or releasing, a domesticated reptile.
Whoever owned the alligator did not need a permit because Indiana law only requires one for gators that are five-feet or longer.
Officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources say there are several options if you change your mind about owning an exotic pet.
You can call your local zoo or you can contact the DNR and they'll connect you with one of their permitted wildlife rehabilitators.
Anyone with information about who may have owned this alligator is asked to call the Indiana State Police at (317) 899-8577.
