Candygram

WESTERVILLE, Ohio, Sept. 3 A Westerville, Ohio, woman said she was surprised to find the visitor scratching at her side door was a 6-foot-long alligator.

Emily McKenny said she saw the huge reptile's tail when she looked out to investigate the sound coming from outside her door, WEWS-TV, Cleveland, reported Monday.

Authorities said the animal, named Penelope, is one of two alligators owned by McKenny's next door neighbor, Paul Barrows, who said he rescues reptiles.

Police said they did not charge Barrows with any crimes -- Ohio does not have any state laws regarding private ownership of exotic or wild animals -- but the alligators were taken to the Columbus Zoo, where they will remain until Barrows can find them a permanent home.