DENVER -- Sheriff's Deputies in Garfield County were surprised to find 38 inch caiman hiding out in a motel Monday.

Animal control deputies were called to the Super 8 motel in Parachute and captured the caiman, which is a cousin of alligator.

The reptile was taken to the Vet Tech School on Springs Valley Campus in Carbondale.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Tanny M. McGinnis said the caiman is believed to be a lost or released pet.