By Associated Press - Thursday, April 10, 2014

OCEAN SHORES, Wash. (AP) - Police in Ocean Shores, Wash., say tips led them to seize a 4-foot-long alligator they say was living in a small apartment in the coastal community.

KING-TV reports (https://is.gd/xg2vJl ) that one of those tips came from April Rognlin’s landlord. The station also says it’s against state law to own American Black alligators in Washington.

A state Fish and Wildlife officer brought “Snappy” to the Thurston County Animal Shelter. The creature will be placed in a reptile refuge.

Officers confiscated the alligator Wednesday afternoon. Sgt. Don Grossi says they found Snappy in the back seat of the resident’s vehicle.

Rognlin tells KING, “It broke my heart” and she adds, “He’s just like a dog or a cat.”

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Information from: KING-TV, https://www.king5.com/

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