Two caimans turn up in Texas home

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) - The Austin Animal Center came across some reptiles they normally don't see in the Texas capital.

While the animals were interesting to see, the homeowner in Northwest Austin had to turn over his two caimans to the AAC.

According to Chris Noble, deputy chief Animal Services Officer, police originally responded to the home on an unrelated call. But when the officers got there, they noticed the homeowner had two large reptiles in his home.

People are not allowed to have a dangerous animal within city limits, so that's when AAC stepped in.

The homeowner told authorities that he’s had one of the crocodiles for at least 10 years and didn’t realize he wasn’t allowed to keep them. The two caimans were around 3- to 4 feet long.

Noble said the area where the home is located was annexed into the city a few years ago.

The owner voluntarily turned the caimans over to AAC, which in turn gave them to the Austin Reptile Service for permanent placement.

No enforcement action was taken against the owner.