Adult alligator seized from North Hollywood home

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No, it’s not Reggie. And it’s not a home invader-- as you might think if this was Florida. This time it’s a pet.

Animal control officers from the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services went to a North Hollywood residence this week and found an adult 5-foot-6-inch-long male alligator named Ziggy.

Ziggy’s owner, whose name was not released, surrendered the alligator to the officers without incident. Animal Services had gone to the residence because of a referral call from the Los Angeles Police Department.

‘The alligator appears to be in good health, thankfully,’ said Kathy Davis, assistant general manager for L.A. animal services.

Ziggy is about 5 years old and has been with his owner since he was small.

Alligators are a restricted species in California, requiring a possession permit, Davis said. (You might remember the Pasadena Humane Society’s resident alligator Tina, who has lived 10 years at the shelter thanks to the shelter’s license.)

‘Our local zoo is an excellent venue for viewing wild animals in habitats conducive to their species,’ Davis said. ‘Residents are urged to adopt traditional pets, such as dogs, cats and rabbits, from our shelters in lieu of wild animals, whose care and containment can often be overwhelming. Worse, an escaped wild animal can be disastrous for all involved.’

The average male alligator can grow to 13 feet long. They are generally found in the Southeastern United States, primarily in Florida, where alligators thrive in the state’s wetlands.

L.A. Animal Services has contacted a local herpetology society member who has the proper permit, and Ziggy will be transported to their facilities today.

L.A. Animal Services has also contacted California Fish and Game to inform them of the impoundment and subsequent transfer to the herpetology society, and that agency will determine if any criminal charges will be filed.

‘I don’t know how you have dinner parties with an alligator in the house,’ Davis said. ‘This is the largest reptile we’ve seized in a long time.’

--Francisco Vara-Orta