Augusta Man Arrested With 5 Alligators

An Augusta man is facing charges for possessing five alligators without a permit.

Game Wardens were called to an Augusta residence shortly after noon on Tuesday to a report of a man who had alligators. 20-year-old Yifan Sun was found with the reptiles, which are a restricted species here in Maine without proper permits.

Sun didn't have one for the alligators and so was issued a summons for Importing or Possessing Wildlife Without a Permit. The Warden Service says Sun is cooperating with investigators. The alligators were temporarily taken to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regional office in Sidney. Augusta Police assisted with the investigation.

Wardens say ownership of certain wildlife species is restricted in Maine and requires a permit for their importation or possession. The reason for the control of the species is public safety, but also the impact those animals could have on the environment.