Man Shoplifts Alligator By Shoving It Up His Shirt [PICTURES]

Workers at a pet store in Virginia realized that their prized baby alligator was missing one morning when they went to feed it.

After finding blood stains and watching video, they caught the suspect, who just so happens to be a regular at the store. The catch: He shoved the baby alligator up his shirt to steal it...and the foot-long animal bit him...on the nipple...and he bled.

The alligator could end up growing up to 16 feet. (I know, you're probably thinking the same thing I did: "How can they sell alligators that will grow up to 16 feet. Or better yet, why do you want one?")

Imagine getting your nipple bitten by a stolen alligator that is down your shirt. The man's just lucky that he didn't put it down his pants.