Unusual Discovery: Alligator Captured in Indiana

This certainly isn't something that you see often in the Hoosier State.

Most Hoosiers know this already, but alligators are not native to Indiana and are not typically found in the wild in Indiana. So you won't have to worry about coming across one while outdoors. That being said, while they are not native, there have been documented cases of alligators being found in Indiana, often due to being released from captivity or being kept as pets. Recently, officers in Indiana received a call about an alligator that caught them by surprise.

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Alligator Captured in Decatur County, Indiana

Officers receive a lot of calls each day, but this is one that doesn't happen often at all. Decatur County deputies responded to the Westport area over the weekend to a strange report of a real alligator next to the road. Upon arrival, the deputies were able to find the alligator with the assistance of the Westport Street Department and the Westport Water Department. This alligator was 3 and 1/2 feet long. Naturally, it had to be someone's pet that got loose, or it was dumped in the area.

Once the gator was safely contained, it was then transferred to Indiana DNR officers, who then delivered the animal to a certified wildlife rehabilitator who specializes in reptiles, allowing it to get the help it needed. Needless to say, this is one call that those deputies will remember for quite some time.

Is It Legal to Own an Alligator as a Pet in Indiana?

Yes, in Indiana, you can legally own an alligator as a pet. However, certain rules and restrictions apply. Alligators are classified as restricted live wildlife, which means they require specific permits for ownership. Owning an alligator in Indiana means you need a specific primary and secondary living space, permits, a veterinarian that can care for the animal, and a proper diet, all of which can be pretty costly. Just make sure you don't let it get loose like the Decatur County alligator.