WASHINGTON DC - Authorities took a bite out of crime after they seized an alligator from a home in the District.

DC police said they were serving a search warrant Wednesday evening with the DC Humane Rescue Alliance in the 3500 block of Brothers Place, SE when they found the alligator.

The alligator, which police said was between 4 and 5 years old, was found in the basement of the DC home.

Authorities seized the alligator and DC Animal Control is working to relocate the animal to a safe habitat, according to officials.

Police remind residents that it is illegal to keep an alligator as a house pet in the District.

fox5dc.com/news/local-news/dc-police-seize-alligator-from-hom