Lil' Allie-Gator

I recently came across this funny article from Philadelphia, PA, about a man who had offered a little gator aid - - calling animal control authorities to help rescue a juvenile alligator he found near a sewer gate on his street.

Joe Malseed saw the 18-inch reptile in the city's Fishtown neighborhood and snapped its photo before calling for help.  He said the alligator was in a puddle and appeared to be emerging from a nearby sewer.  He said it was docile until a man tried to get a closer look and it hissed.

Police took the reptile to the city's Animal Care & Control Team.  The reptile has been named Allie-Gator.

The animal control team said despite the name it hasn't determined the alligator's gender because, "Who's going to do that job?"

Allie-Gator will remain with the team until a permanent home is found.