A police officer looking into a vehicle stuck in a ditch Wednesday night was surprised to find an alligator in the back seat.

According to records, suspicions were first raised when two Crowley men were spotted allegedly looking into the window of a closed pharmacy on West Maple.

Checking the pair out, officers were told their vehicle had gotten stuck in a nearby ditch and the men were seeking assistance.

Going to the vehicle, police found the ‘gator carcass in the backseat, minus its tail.

Records do not indicate what, if anything, the men told officers when asked about the alligator.

Ryan Joseph Dartez, 18, of 813 Stutes and Cody James Lejeune, 18, of 129 North Avenue M were charged with illegal possession of an alligator, criminal mischief, criminal trespass and simple criminal damage to property.