Near the dumpsters at Grovetown Middle School in Georgia, a small alligator was discovered tied to a pole with its mouth taped shut.
Officials returned the animal to the wild Sept. 15 and tried to find the person who left it there, according to WRDW.
Here's what to know
On Sept. 16, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed that the alligator had turned up at Grovetown Middle School on Sept. 15.
It was found by the campus dumpsters, bound to a pole with tape covering its mouth.
The agency shared a Facebook video of the small gator swimming away after its release.
Officials said the reptile was healthy enough to be tagged and released.
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The DNR noted that the cruel handling of the animal was unlawful.
"Removing, attempting to handle, or transporting an alligator from its habitat is not only illegal but dangerous," it stated. "Leave it to licensed professionals, and see this incredible reptile where it belongs — below the Georgia fall line, in the wild."
More background
Alligators are native to Georgia.
Species including fish, turtles, snakes, and birds also live in the Savannah River ecosystem.
People often play a direct role in human-wildlife conflicts, whether by moving animals, altering habitats, or creating risky encounters.
A BBC explainer detailed the many ways in which human activity facilitates and drives encounters, many of which are dangerous for people and wildlife alike.
What's being done?
Officials said the case was a reminder that wild alligators should be left alone and handled only by licensed professionals.
Investigators asked for help identifying the person or people responsible. Tips can be reported by calling 800-241-4113.
If charges are filed, they could involve wildlife law, animal cruelty, and safety violations.
Where can I learn more?
Across the Southeast, police and wildlife officers are regularly called when alligators turn up in neighborhoods, yards, and other close quarters.
• In South Carolina, police confronted an alligator in a neighborhood as residents reported more sightings.
• In Southport, North Carolina, police maintained a perimeter while an alligator roamed yards before it was captured.
• In Marion County, Florida, officials investigated after a woman petted a wild alligator on video.
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