Alligator returned to its owner after escaping educational facility in Wake Co.

WENDELL, N.C. (WTVD) -- An alligator was caught and returned to its owner after it escaped from an educational facility in Wendell, authorities said Saturday.

The alligator was discovered in a Wendell pond and captured.

It took wildlife officers 45 minutes to lure the 4-foot long gator out of the pond.

Wildlife officials don't believe there is a bigger gator problem in the area and say the escape was accidental.

No information discussing how the gator was able to escape has been released.