L.A. family kept alligator in backyard 40 years

Michael Winter | USA TODAY

What's 8 feet long and lives in a Southern California backyard?

A pet alligator a family has kept for about 40 years, animal-control officials told the Los Angeles Times.

The reptile was discovered Monday in a camouflaged crate in the backyard of a home in the San Fernando Valley community of Van Nuys. Two cat carcasses were found inside.

Officers searched the property in August after a neighbor reported seeing the gator but found nothing. They said they believe the gator was relocated temporarily.

The alligator was taken to the Los Angeles Zoo and is being examined.

The owners face possible prosecution for keeping wildlife without a permit.