EATON COUNTY, MI – A 5-foot long pet alligator died after it was hit by a vehicle outside Lansing.

Wally, a 21-year-old alligator owned by a local family was hit by an unknown driver at West Mount Hope Highway and South Creyts Road in Eaton County’s Delta Township around 12:33 a.m. on Thursday after it apparently escaped.

“It’s just sad that the family lost a pet they’ve had a long time,” said Jerri Nesbitt, spokesperson for the sheriff's office.

Whoever hit Wally did not call police, but the sheriff’s department is not actively looking for anyone. Wally was identified after his owner called the department.

Animal control officers removed his carcass from the roadway Thursday afternoon. Scott Nigoff posted photos of the dead animal on Facebook.

WARNING: The photos are graphic in nature.