Man finds alligator in backyard in Erie

Erie, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania man took his dog out for a walk — and found a 3-foot alligator in his backyard.

The Erie Times-News reports that the homeowner discovered the alligator Friday afternoon behind his house.

An animal control officer pulled the alligator out of some bushes using a noose on the end of a pole, then held it down and taped its mouth and legs with electrical tape.

Officials suspect that someone had the alligator as a pet and released it when it became too big.

It is illegal to own an alligator in the city of Erie, officials told the paper.

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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.comA Pennsylvania man took his dog out for a walk — and found a 3-foot alligator in his backyard.

The Erie Times-News reports that the homeowner discovered the alligator Friday afternoon behind his house.

An animal control officer pulled the alligator out of some bushes using a noose on the end of a pole, then held it down and taped its mouth and legs with electrical tape.

Officials suspect that someone had the alligator as a pet and released it when it became too big.

It is illegal to own an alligator in the city of Erie, officials told the paper.

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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com