Alligator Alley: The Porch visits Oklahoma City reptile supplier

Home to several reptile species, Alligator Alley in Oklahoma City has been the go-to place for exotic pets in the state since the 1980s.

Located along Northwest 10th Street near North Meridian Avenue, Alligator Alley has animals ranging from lizards, snakes, frogs, and even alligators, although the latter are not for sale.

Additionally, Alligator Alley has some non-reptiles for sale, including insects, ferrets guinea pigs, and gerbils.

The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch visited Alligator Alley to see what guests can expect when they visit.

"The alligators are not for sale," store employee Patrick Swinney said. "They're just for display, but we offer a variety of exotic pets specializing primarily in reptiles and amphibians."

However, Swinney said sometimes people just want to come and look at the miniature zoo.

"Lots of people come in just to look around," Swinney said.

Owning a pet such as those found in Alligator Alley is no easy task, however. Swinney says some, such as the store's ferrets, need extra attention and work to be properly taken care of.

"Ferrets are great," Swinney said. "They're a lot of work, but they are a lot of fun. They need a ton of attention because they're very social animals. They love to climb, they love to get into stuff."

As for the store's alligator population, Swinney says they can be well-behaved.

"[The alligator's] mouth is taped for safety, but she's not too bad, she's just cranky in the mornings like me," Swinney said. "She could [grow to] six or eight feet easily."

For more information, visit AlligatorAlley.com.