An Eagan neighborhood got a surprise visit Friday afternoon from an exotic animal many Minnesotans wouldn't want -- or expect -- to find in their back yard.

Residents spotted a 3-foot alligator in a pond behind the 3600 block of Ashbury Road.

Eagan police were called about 1:30 p.m. to deal with the critter, which they captured and turned over to a conservation officer.

SARAH LEMAGIE