JESSUP, Md. (WJZ)— Anne Arundel police found more than just drugs while serving a warrant at a Jessup man’s home.

Christie Ileto has more on the wild discovery.

Neighbor Jada Knight says “Where the Wild Things Are” has come to her street.

“It’s not supposed to be a pet. You would think a dog or a cat, not an alligator,” Knight said.

But that’s exactly what Anne Arundel police say they found when they were serving a drug warrant at Michael Golden’s home in Jessup. Officers say it wasn’t the more than $3,000 worth of marijuana but the three-foot reptile that was a shocker!

“It’s definitely an anomaly, an unlikely encounter,” said Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson. “Not something detectives find when they’re serving a warrant.”

No one came to the door at Golden’s home but the unusual discovery has left residents stunned and perplexed.

“It was a surprise. It was pretty big,” said neighbor Juanita Miller.

It’s unclear how Golden got the alligator or why he even had it, but one thing is for sure–it’s illegal for exotic animals like alligators to be in a private residence.

“He minds his business, but we were surprised,” said Corey Harris.

Police say it appears the reptile was being used as a household pet…a pet neighbors say belongs nowhere else but the zoo.

“I thought it was stupid to have one of them in a trailer,” Miller said.

Police say the alligator was healthy and has been taken to a facility for exotic animals.

Police charged Golden with possession of marijuana and intent to distribute.