The Indiana DNR says a resident caught a 5-foot alligator in a Whitley County lake Monday night.

DNR officials searched the area of New Lake, off County Roads 350 W and 700 N near Columbia City on Sunday and Monday after receiving reports of the gator. They were unable to find anything, but WANE TV in Fort Wayne reports that a resident caught the large lizard with a treble hook overnight Monday night.

The creature was 63 inches long…5 foot 3 inches…and was put down by the person who caught it. Officials believe someone was keeping it as a pet until it became too big to care for. The DNR does not regulate alligators, but you have to get a permit to keep one that reaches 5 feet or bigger.