Portage police said the animal was found in a plastic storage tub at the side of Willowcreek Road by a female motorist who had stopped to see if the tube was salvageable, the Chesterton (Ind.) Tribune reported Tuesday.

The police said the reptile was lethargic from the cold, but otherwise seemed to be in good health. A staffer at Dr. Larry Reed's veterinary clinic said the alligator appeared to be healthy when it arrived and it is now "relaxing" at his temporary home.

Reed is known in the area for giving sanctuary to injured and out-of-place animals including ducks, geese, chickens, mice, lizards, venomous snakes and at least one other alligator.