Mumbai, September 26: In a bizarre incident that took place in the United States, a woman allegedly "borrowed" an alligator from her previous workplace for her birthday photo shoot in Florida. The woman is said to be having the plan to have a photoshoot with the reptile. The Florida resident, identified as Madison Stephan, is reportedly said to have abducted the alligator from Croc Encounters.

Croc Encounters is a reptile park and alligator farm based in Tampa, Florida, reports Wion News. Stephan used to work at Croc Encounters and still possessed a key, which she reportedly used in order to sneak into the park before the hours and allegedly "borrowed" the alligator without the owner's permission. Shooting Over Fries in US: 'Jack in the Box' Employee Opens Fire at Family After Argument Over Missing Curly Fries in Houston.

How Did the Incident Came to Light?

After allegedly abducting the reptile, Stephan kept the alligator in a bathtub at the Grove Resort and Water Park in Winter Garden, where her birthday would be celebrated. The news was confirmed by the Florida woman's friend, who told authorities that she and Madison reportedly drove to Croc Encounters together, where Stephan "had a surprise for her".

After leaving her friend in the car, Stephan sneaked into the facility using her key and returned with the alligator. Post this, the two drove to the hotel in Winter Garden for a five-day holiday. The incident came to light on September 4 when the alligator was rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligator 'Attack' in US: Body Found Next to Giant Alligator in Florida's Pinellas County, Probe Underway (See Pic and Video).

Does Stephan Face Any Charges?

Officials also said that the two-foot-long alligator was found "cold to touch" after being stored in cold water in the bathtub for a long time. After being rescued, the reptile was returned to Croc Encounters. Post the incident, John Paner, owner of Croc Encounters, refused to press any charges against Stephan. However, she was issued a notice for possessing the alligator under state laws.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2023 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).