Scaly situation! Alligator spotted outside motel room in Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — Fairfax County police had an unusual call early Monday morning -- an alligator spotted outside a motel room.

Officers responded just after midnight to the 5900 block of Richmond Highway in Huntington for a report of an animal sighting.

A caller reported that they saw an alligator, about six feet long, outside their motel room.

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Officers arrived and located the alligator and its owner, and Animal Protection Police were called in to assist.

Investigators learned the alligator was being transported from New York to a zoo in North Carolina.

However, under Virginia law, the possession of certain exotic animals -- including alligators -- is prohibited.

Police said the alligator and its owner were safely escorted out of Fairfax County.