HARFORD COUNTY, Md. — An unexpected visitor was found in a Harford County parking lot Thursday night.

Deputies with the Harford County Sheriff's Office responded to the reports of an alligator in the parking lot of a local reptile shop.

When they arrived, they found the alligator and were able to secure it at the scene.

Police say it was intentionally abandoned and was found with its mouth taped shut.

Harford County Sheriff's Office

The alligator was in good health, friendly and docile, indicating it had been someone's pet.

Harford County Sheriff's Office

If it wasn't found, it likely would have died due to the dropping temperatures.

Maryland law prohibits personally owning alligators and Harford County Code prohibits abandoning any animal.

The alligator will be rehomed at a local

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