An alligator that was found in a Brampton backyard on Sunday was likely an illegal exotic pet, say officials at a reptile zoo.
The reptile, which hissed at surprised onlookers until it was removed by animal control officials, has now been relocated to the Indian River Reptile Zoo outside of Peterborough.
It's not the first time the zoo has received an unwanted pet alligator.
"I was thinking to myself the other day, this is just the first alligator call of the season because it's happening more and more," said zoo curator Kyle O'Grady.
O'Grady said it's lucky the alligator arrived at the zoo in good condition.
The alligator has good fat reserves on its neck, indicating it has eaten recently.
A Brampton bylaw makes it illegal to keep exotic pets, including alligators.
Police said they have received information about a potential alligator owner, but they have yet to confirm anything.
Alligators are not only illegal to keep as a pet. They can also be downright dangerous.
"Alligators are not good pets," said O'Grady.
The zoo's new resident is an American alligator. It is about one metre long right now, but could grow up to be up to four metres long.
It also bites. The alligator had to have its jaw taped shut to be handled.
The zoo has yet to determine whether the alligator is male or female, since the process to determine is invasive and handlers don't want to put the animal under undue stress.
The alligator seems healthy now. It will be kept in quarantine for the next six months where it will be fed a delicious diet of chicken bits and frozen mice.
With files from Michelle Dube
