Six-Foot Alligator Found Outside Virginia Motel; Owner Escorted Out

A six-foot alligator was found roaming outside a motel room in Fairfax County, Virginia, prompting a swift police response. The alligator had escaped from its owner, who was transporting it from New York to a zoo in North Carolina and had stopped overnight at the motel. Bodycam footage captured officers' surprise upon encountering the reptile, who warned motel guests to keep pets inside. Although Virginia law prohibits possession of exotic animals like alligators, no charges were filed, and the owner and alligator were safely escorted out of the county. The incident highlights the occasional risks associated with transporting exotic animals and the local authorities' readiness to handle such unusual situations. Meanwhile, in Florida, strict laws regulate the feeding and possession of alligators to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, especially during mating season when alligator activity increases.