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The Suffolk County SPCA and New York State Department of Environmental were called to a Bayport home when the family reported that they had returned home to find the eight-inch baby alligator trying to beat the heat in their pool.
Officials said that both the SPCA and NYSDEC are attempting to determine how the alligator made its way into the area, since they are not indigenous and would die over the winter months.
“Over the years many exotic, illegally, possessed animals and reptiles have been turned in or confiscated by the Suffolk County SPCA,” officials said. “The SPCA took custody of this alligator so that the public would be protected and encourages others who have illegal pets to do the same. The alligator will be transported to a licensed facility.”
The SPCA noted that anyone who is in possession of illegal animals can contact them or the NYSDEC to schedule an appointment to turn in the animals.
The alligator will be on hand at a scheduled 1 p.m. news conference on Tuesday, July 23, when more information is expected to be released. The conference is scheduled to be held at the Suffolk County SPCA on Vets Highway in Hauppauge.
Anyone with information about where the alligator may have come from has been asked to contact the Suffolk County SPCA by calling (631) 382-7722 or the NYSDEC at (631) 444-0250.
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