Authorities are searching for an alligator missing from a Johnston County home.
Todd Crocker called authorities Friday afternoon after returning to his residence and noticed 1 of his 3 alligators was gone.
Officials said Crocker has the necessary permits to raise snakes and alligators on his property on Mudham Road, between Highway 96 and Highway 231.
Investigators found some suspicious tire tracks near the alligator pen, suggesting it may have been stolen rather than it slipping out of its pen. Officials said the pen was found secured.
The alligator is about 5 foot long and weighs between 45 and 60 pounds.
In April 2007, animal control officers captured an alligator in a private pond on Old Beulah Road near Micro. Johnston County animal control officers nicknamed the alligator Oswald. He was picked up a few days later by a biologist with NC Wildlife and relocated in a more natural habitat near the southeastern NC coast.
