FRUITLAND, Md. (AP) — Authorities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore have captured an alligator that was found basking in the sun near a retention pond.

Construction workers and a neighbor spotted the alligator near the pond on South Camden Avenue in Fruitland on Wednesday afternoon and called several authorities. Bruce Giordano of Bennett Construction says no one knew how to catch the alligator — or what to do with it when they did.

Giordano says Police Chief Michael Phillips finally used a stick to pull the reptile in and the Department of Natural Resources helped secure and tie it.

Jonathan McKnight, associate wildlife director with the natural resources department, says the alligator most likely had been someone’s pet.

An animal control officer says an effort will be made to find a home for it.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)