Giant pet alligator found surrounded by cat carcasses in Los Angeles backyard

AUTHORITIES have impounded a 2.5-metre pet alligator found living in a suburban backyard, surrounded by cat carcasses.

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AUTHORITIES have impounded a 2.5-metre alligator that had been living in a suburban backyard in Los Angeles, apparently living on a diet of feral cats.

Homeowner Laura Mattson said she had been caring for the female alligator, named Jaxson, for decades, after it joined her family through her late husband Jim.

It’s illegal to keep wildlife without a permit in LA, and a criminal investigation is underway.

“It’s like losing part of my family and plus losing part of Jim. So now I’ve lost him too,” Ms Mattson told America’s ABC News.

Authorities believe the giant gator, estimated to be 40 years old, was being fed cats after several carcasses were found nearby.

However, Ms Mattson denied the allegation, saying the animal had been handfed “hot dogs and chicken for 36 years.”

“She was so docile, she would let rats eat the hot dogs out of her mouth,” Ms Mattson told NBC.

One photo shown to NBC by Ms Mattson showed Jaxson on the ground as a kitten snuggled next to her.

She said she fed the feral cats, but never let Jaxson eat them.

Ms Mattson is facing citations for maintaining a wild animal without proper care and maintenance and without proper permits.

The creature was moved to Los Angeles Zoo.

“These type of reptiles can be dangerous,” Mark Salazar, department of animal services field commander, told ABC. “If anyone is housing an animal like this ... turn the animal in, contact the local zoo.”

Originally published as Giant pet alligator found surrounded by cat carcasses in Los Angeles backyard