HOTCHKISS, Colo. -- A 4-foot long dead alligator was found in a ditch outside Hotchkiss last Tuesday and now officials with the Colorado Division of Wildlife are trying to figure out who put it there.

The alligator was found in a ditch next to the North Fork Lateral irrigation canal, said Joe Lewandowski, a DOW spokesman.

It is illegal to both import wildlife without a state permit and release any non-native animals.

"Animals from different parts of the country or the world can carry diseases that could devastate native wildlife species," said Doug Homan, a district wildlife manager in Hotchkiss. "An invasive species also could be a predator that Colorado wildlife cannot defend themselves against."

Homan said he believes the alligator was probably released by someone when it was alive and died near the canal.

"An alligator is not suited to Colorado's climate and cold water. This was a very irresponsible action. An alligator is a predator and could have eaten other animals, pets or even attacked a person," Homan said.

Anyone who has information about the alligator is asked to contact the DOW at 970-275-4276.