What's 8 feet long and lives in a Southern California backyard?

8-foot alligator found in California home    Jan 15, 2015

A pet alligator a family has kept for about 40 years, animal-control officials told the Los Angeles Times.

The reptile was discovered Monday in a camouflaged crate in the backyard of a home in the San Fernando Valley community of Van Nuys. Two cat carcasses were found inside.

Because of the cats, officials were asking neighbors if anyone had lost any small pets over the years.

The reptile was discovered Monday in a camouflaged crate in the backyard of a home in the San Fernando Valley community of Van Nuys. Two cat carcasses were found inside.

Officers searched the property in August after a neighbor reported seeing the gator but found nothing. They said they believe the gator was relocated temporarily.

They got another tip Monday. When refused entry, Barnette says they got a warrant and found the reptile in a box with the dead cats.

The alligator was taken to the Los Angeles Zoo and is being examined.

The owners face possible prosecution for keeping wildlife without a permit.