Detroit Police Find 2-Foot Alligator During Narcotics Raid Near Livernois and Joy, Animal Control Removes Reptile
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Detroit police officers carrying out a narcotics raid near Livernois and Joy made an unusual discovery inside the home: a 2-foot alligator, according to details shared in a Metro Detroit News update.
Authorities called Detroit Animal Care and Control to the scene, and workers removed the alligator from the property along with a turtle that was also found inside the home.
Alligator Discovered Inside Home During Drug Raid
The alligator was located during the raid and was later shown in an inset image being handled inside a contained area, suggesting officers treated the situation as both a law enforcement operation and an animal safety issue.
While the narcotics investigation was the reason officers were at the property, the unexpected presence of a live alligator added another layer of concern for responders. Even smaller alligators can bite and cause injury, and any exotic animal kept in a home can present risks to residents, neighbors, and first responders.
Detroit Animal Care and Control Called to Remove Alligator and Turtle
After the animals were discovered, Detroit Animal Care and Control was contacted to remove them safely. Officials indicated the turtle may be returned to its owner at a later date, depending on the outcome of the situation and whether ownership can be confirmed.
The alligator’s future is different. Officials noted that alligators are not permitted as pets in Detroit, meaning it cannot simply be returned to whoever had it inside the home.
Alligator Expected to Be Transferred to a Rescue
Animal control is now working to transfer the alligator to a reptile rescue or another organization equipped to care for it long-term. That typically involves finding a facility with proper permitting, secure enclosures, and staff trained to handle reptiles safely.
Cases like this highlight how exotic animals can end up in homes far from their natural habitat—and how quickly a routine police operation can turn into an animal removal situation.
What do you think should happen when illegal exotic pets are found during police calls—should penalties be tougher, or should the focus be on rescue and safe placement? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
