Why did the alligator cross the street?

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Law enforcement officers are trained for all kinds of circumstances, but Ventura County sheriff's deputies were stunned to find an alligator crossing an intersection in Thousand Oaks.

Deputies were called to a residential area about 11 p.m., but admit they didn't believe the 911 call. They arrived and found a 2.5 foot-long gator in the intersection.
Deputy Jason Fuller grabbed the animal by the snout, and taped its mouth shut. It was taken to the Agoura Hills animal shelter.
The state Department of Fish and Game will take responsibility for the gator.
Sheriff's department spokesman Eric Buschow said the alligator may have been someone's pet, but so far no one has claimed it.