A Los Angeles family could face criminal charges of illegally keeping a wild animal after animal control officials found an eight-foot alligator in the home. According to the homeowners, the alligator was a part of the family for almost 40 years and is extremely “docile.”

The female alligator was found in the backyard and inside a wooden crate said the Los Angeles Animal Services Department. Inside the crate, investigators said, were two cat carcasses. The department had previously searched the home but could not find the alligator. They believed it had been moved before the search was conducted.

53-year-old Ron Gorecki, said he helped to care for the alligator – named Jaxson, after his brother-in-law died. He said the alligator was bought at a city pet shop about 37 years ago.

Laura Mattson, Gorecki’s sister, said she was the key caretaker since her husband’s death. She said Jaxson’s diet consisted of hot dogs and chicken. She said the alligator was so calm that rats would eat hot dogs straight out of her mouth.

She stated that the alligator was put in the box with the cat carcasses so that authorities would not find her.