HAMPTON, Va. (WRIC) — Conservation police officers with the Department of Wildlife Resources rescued a caiman that was being illegally held captive inside a home in Hampton.
Caimans are reptiles that are related to alligators and inhabit Mexico and Central and South America.
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, two conservation police officers responded to a report of a caiman being illegally held in a home.
During the investigation, a caiman was found, which measured about 20 inches in length.
A resident of the home was interviewed and consented to release the reptile to the Department.
The caiman is now under the care and custody of biologists with the Department of Wildlife Resources at its Region 1 Office.
The Department reminds Virginians that possessing wildlife without proper permits is illegal and poses serious risks to both the animal and the community.
Anyone who comes across suspicious wildlife-related activities is asked to contact the Department by calling 1-800-237-5712.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.