LURAY, Va. — Do pet alligators belong in Virginia? According to exotic animal licensing laws, the answer is no.
Spotsylvania Animal Control recently confiscated a baby alligator from a residence, according to a Facebook post from Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger Harris.
As alligators are not native to the commonwealth, personal ownership without the proper licensing is illegal. Native reptiles include many species of turtles, lizards and snakes, but not alligators. A permit is required to import, possess or sell exotic animals, Virginia laws say.
The baby alligator has been reportedly relocated to Luray Zoo, a privately owned rescue zoo.
Spotsylvania County’s sheriff did not disclose the alligator’s origin or previous owner, but thanked the Luray Zoo for taking care of the little guy.
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