North Texas

Alligator Spotted in Cedar Hill

A baby alligator caused quite a stir Sunday night in one Cedar Hill neighbor when it was found wandering the streets.

“I see the glowing eyes,” said Breia Marshall. “I say ok, we got a raccoon, skunk or something’s there.

But what Marshall saw was a two foot alligator in her front yard.

“Oh my God,” said Ramona Alexander, who lives in the neighborhood. “That's unbelievable.”

The resident didn't investigate too thoroughly to confirm exactly what type of reptile it was and instead simply called the Cedar Hill Police Department. The police, in turn, called Animal Control who corralled the young reptile into a garbage can near the home.

The alligator is definitely something never before seen on Elliott Drive.

The animal is now being held at the Tri-City Animal Shelter where employees said Monday afternoon that the reptile appears to be a small American alligator, and not a crocodile or caiman.

“I’ve never heard of anything, never in my life,” said Alexander.

“As far as the alligator, I don't know,” said Johnie Ellis, another neighbor.  “I know I’d be stepping back from him and anybody close, I suggest getting back away from him.”

“Where did it come from?” asks Marshall. “And then I looked around. Where’s the mama? Because it's a baby alligator.”

Now people in her neighborhood are on extra guard, but relieved to know there’s an alligator off the streets.

“Yeah, I’m relieved,” said Marshall. “They caught it in our trash can.”

It’s still a mystery where the alligator came from. But it might be taken to a nearby alligator sanctuary and release site.

According to DFWWildlife.org, "alligators are native to the North Texas area and live in various freshwater lakes and rivers, including Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake and the Trinity River."

Officials said it's not clear where the reptile came from.

NBC 5's Johnny Archer contributed to this report

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