American gator found at Aussie campsite

PAMBULA , Australia, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Australian wildlife officials said an American alligator found at a campsite in Pambula was likely a former pet.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service said the 5-foot-long alligator, which was caught by vacationing snake handler Hans Rasker, was likely an exotic pet that either escaped or was released into the wild, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Wednesday.

Senior ranger Robin Kesby said releasing exotic animals into the wild is illegal.

"The animal was taken into care by wires as a temporary measure and it's going to be transported to Mogo Zoo," he said. "We initially thought that it was a saltwater crocodile but on advice from people at Taronga Zoo who are experts in this field, they've told us that it's actually an American alligator."