Greensboro, NC -- Authorities trying to serve an arrest warrant at a motel instead found some sharp-toothed guests. U.S. marshals and High Point police found a 3-foot alligator and a 3-foot caiman _ similar to an alligator _ in a fish tank at a Red Roof Inn in Greensboro. They didn't, however, find the suspect they had sought.
The man who had the animals in his room was arrested on charges unrelated to the animals, U.S. Marshals Service officials said.
The alligator and caiman were taken to the Guilford County Animal Shelter.
"We've had exotic animals before, but nothing like this," shelter director Marsha Williams said, adding that the reptiles were in good condition.
It's illegal to possess alligators in North Carolina, but caimans can be found in pet stores, said Sandy Ellington of the Guilford County Public Health Department.
Ellington said the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will take both reptiles and decide whether to pursue charges against the man who had them in his room.
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