PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — An alligator has found a home in the Beaver State.
On Friday, Oregon State Police revealed they had recently seized an alligator from a Springfield resident. The law enforcement agency reported that the animal had been a family pet for about 13 years, before its owner learned that possessing an exotic creature is prohibited in the state in most cases.
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The Oregon Department of Agriculture lists exotic animals as non-human primates, bears excluding the American Black bear, non-indigenous canines that aren’t domestic, non-indigenous felines that aren’t domestic, and crocodilians — which includes alligators.
But there are a few exemptions to the rule.
“Oregon law (ORS 609.345) allows for certain exemptions to permit requirements such as law enforcement agencies, USDA licensed educational or research facilities, permitted wildlife rehabilitation centers, and disabled persons with service monkeys,” ODA said on its website .