Four Florida Gulf Coast University students were issued warnings after bringing a roadkill alligator into a dorm room to take a photo shared on social media. Screenshot: WFTX-TV

April 6 (UPI) -- Wildlife officials issued warnings to four Florida Gulf Coast University students who brought a roadkill alligator into a dorm room to take pictures.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said on officer was sent to the university in Estero after a photo of an alligator in a Palmetto Hall dorm bed circulated on social media and came to the attention of administrators and school police.


"They just found it on the side of the road and thought it would be fun to take some photos with it," FWC spokesman Brian Norris told The News-Press.

"It was actually a road kill alligator that they found and that was confirmed by the officer examining the carcass," Norris said. "It was very clear evidence of it being road kill."

The FWC officer took possession of the carcass and the students were issued warnings for being in possession of an alligator without the proper permits.

"They admitted that they found it," Norris said. "The officer confirmed ... their story based on the markings and injuries to the alligator."