Wildlife officials in Virginia said they captured an unusual visitor to the waters in the southwest part of the state - an alligator.

The animal, an American alligator, was first spotted in the Gate City area on Thursday and a search was launched to locate the non-native reptile, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries said.

The approximately 3-foot gator was captured by officials around midday Friday.

Officials said the alligator is believed to be a pet that escaped or was abandoned by its owner.

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