A tip sent police and animal services to a home in St. Vital where they found an alligator on Wednesday.
The owner surrendered the animal.
The city said the alligators are illegal in Winnipeg.
“Not only do they pose a danger to the public but they really should be living in Florida and Louisiana and Texas where their natural habitat is,” said Leland Gordon from animal services.
The American alligator is about two feet long (61 centimetres) but can grow up to 15 feet (4.57 metres) and weigh up to 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms).
The alligator owner could face charges under Winnipeg’s responsible pet-ownership bylaw and a fine of $1,500. The creature was apparently housed in an aquarium at the home.
Animal services officials are now working to find a home for the alligator, which is currently being housed in quarantine at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
“We’ve got a team of people that have gone through training handling exotic animals. There’s particular care these guys need,” said Chris Enright from the zoo.
“It’s a 50 to 60-year commitment for (keeping) an American alligator,” said Enright.
Animal services said the owner likely got the alligator from a breeder in Manitoba, with the animal potentially born in captivity.
“According to our research…it is legal to own an alligator in Manitoba outside Winnipeg,” said Leland Gordon. While some municipalities CTV contacted do have restrictions, others do not appear to have bylaws outlawing the animals.
The Assiniboine Park Zoo likely won’t keep the alligator, but they’re sure another facility will want to pick it up soon.
- with a report from Alesia Fieldberg
