Crime & Safety

Alligator Finds New Home After Owner Dies

An illegally owned alligator left without a home after its owner died now has a fresh start at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve​ and Zoo.

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Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
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Maryland NRP Officer Sonia Dohrn, an experienced exotic wildlife handler, transported the alligator to Eco Adventures​ in Millersville for temporary care. It has since been relocated to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve​ and Zoo in Thurmont.
Maryland NRP Officer Sonia Dohrn, an experienced exotic wildlife handler, transported the alligator to Eco Adventures​ in Millersville for temporary care. It has since been relocated to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve​ and Zoo in Thurmont. (Photo courtesy of the Maryland Natural Resources Police )

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A 4.5-foot American alligator was found at a Prince George's County home after the owner died and the family didn't know what to do with the creature.

Maryland Natural Resources Police was contacted about the animal and noted that, "While it's illegal to privately possess American alligators in Maryland, the family made the right choice by contacting NRP and surrendering the gator."

Maryland NRP Officer Sonia Dohrn, an experienced exotic wildlife handler, transported the alligator to Eco Adventures in Millersville for temporary care. It has since been relocated to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont, where it will live safely under the care of professionals, the Maryland NRP shared.

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