THOROLD, Ont. - Why did the alligator cross the road?

The mystery remains, after a vehicle struck and killed a three-foot-long alligator in Thorold, Ont., early Saturday morning.

Niagara Regional Police say the three-foot reptile was hit at about 2:15 a.m. at Merrittville Hwy. near Hwy. 20.

"This is something I've never seen in my career," said aid NRP spokesperson Derek Watson later on Saturday.

The Lincoln County Humane Society took possession of the reptile, and the vehicle involved was reportedly not badly damaged.

Todd Menard, an Inspector with the LCHS, said they know who the owner is, but are not disclosing it at this time. "A person has called in to report his alligator missing," he said.

Menard said as the City of Thorold does not have an exotic animal bylaw ban, the humane society cannot lay charges in this area.

"Right now, in the City of Thorold, you can actually own an alligator," he said.

Menard said the carcass would be held at the shelter for the time being.

He added the provincial natural resources ministry and Canadian wildlife authorities will be contacted.

"We want to know how it entered the country, they are no native to Ontario," he said.

don.fraser@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @don_standard