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Philadelphia Animal Control Offers 'Gator' Aid

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (AP) — A Philadelphia man made a surprising find on his street: a juvenile alligator.

Now dubbed "Allie-Gator," the nearly 18-inch long reptile was found near a sewer grate in the Fishtown section of the city Monday. Philadelphia's Animal Care and Control Team says police brought the animal to them.

Joe Malseed, who saw the reptile and snapped its photo before calling animal control, said the animal was in a large puddle and appeared to be emerging from a nearby sewer.

He says the alligator was docile until a man tried to get a closer look. That's when the hissing began.

Animal control said that despite the name, they've yet determine the alligator's gender, because, "Who's going to do that job?" Allie-Gator will remain there until a permanent home is found.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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