Baby Alligator Found in Long Island Swimming Pool

A Bayport family found a baby alligator swimming in their pool over the weekend and authorities would like to know how it got there.

The Suffolk County SPCA and New York State Department of Environment Conservation Police responded to the home and took possession of the 8-inch alligator.

Both agencies are trying to determine how this alligator was found in the area. Alligators are not native to New York and the baby alligator would have died in the winter on Long Island.

SPCA photo

Over the years many exotic, illegally, possessed animals and reptiles have been turned in or confiscated by the Suffolk County SPCA. The SPCA took custody of the 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.

Anyone possessing illegal animals can contact the Suffolk County SPCA or NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to schedule an appointment to turn in the animals.

Anyone with information about where the alligator may have come from is asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA 631-382-7722 or the NYSDEC at 631-444-0250. All calls will remain confidential.