Wally, a Michigan family’s 21-year-old pet alligator, was fatally hit by a truck Thursday after escaping from his pen, investigators said.

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Lansing drivers told WILX they saw a 5-foot reptile's carcass on the side of the road.

Investigators said Wally had escaped from his home, WLNS reported.

Because they are not indigenous to Michigan, alligators can legally be pets. Native animals, like raccoons, require a permit to own, WLNS reported.

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Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff