Maine game wardens seized five small alligators today in Augusta. Shortly after noon, game wardens responded to a call of a man in possession of five small alligators, according to a news release from the Maine Warden Service.

Yifan Sun, 20, living in Augusta, was found to be in possession of the alligators, which are a restricted species in Maine without proper permits.

Sun did not have a permit and was issued a summons for Importing or Possessing Wildlife without a Permit, a Class E crime. Sun is cooperating with game wardens, the release said.

The alligators were temporarily taken to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regional office in Sidney for care. Augusta Police assisted with this case.

There are several reasons why the Department restricts ownership of certain wildlife species and requires a permit for their importation or possession: The first is public safety, which is the reason crocodiles, alligators, and most venomous snakes and lizards are restricted. Secondly, some exotic species have the potential to become invasive and disruptive to Maine’s natural habitats if they escape into the wild. Lastly, some species have conservation concerns in their native range that can be magnified by illegal sale.