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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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com