Second pet alligator found in Los Angeles

Another pet alligator has been discovered in Los Angeles, authorities said Thursday.

It’s the second time in less than a week that an alligator has been found by authorities in Los Angeles.

Thursday’s alligator was found in the 15300 Block of Lassen Street in the rear of a North Hills residence, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Animal Services Department.

The 2½-foot long American alligator was in a large aquarium at the rear of the property, according to the release. The property is abandoned.

That alligator is considerably smaller than the first animal found.

An 8-foot-long alligator, which been living in the backyard of a San Fernando Valley home -- possibly feeding off cats -- for about 40 years, was discovered Monday.

That alligator, named Jaxson by its owners who bought it at a pet shop 37 years ago, was found inside a wooden crate in the 13200 block of Sylvan Street in Van Nuys.

Jaxson was taken to the Los Angeles Zoo. The second animal is being held as evidence, temporarily, at the West Valley Animal Shelter, according to authorities.

Jaxson’s owners are under a criminal investigation because it is illegal in Los Angeles to own a wild animal without a permit, and they had no permit for the alligator.

The whereabouts of the owner of the second animal are unknown.

Anyone with information on the alligator or its owners is asked to contact Cmd. Mark Salazar at (213) 482-7455 or email at mark.salazar@lacity.org.

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