Young Alligator Captured from New York Pond

A young alligator discovered in a Long Island pond has been safely secured and is now under the care of a licensed rehabilitator as officials work on finding a permanent home for the reptile.

The unusual sighting was first reported on August 7th when a birdwatcher at Cow Meadow Preserve in Freeport spotted the alligator in a freshwater pond. The witness provided environmental officers with a clear photo and stayed on scene until three New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers arrived. Equipped with a canoe, the officers entered the pond and successfully captured the animal without any issues.

The alligator, still a juvenile, was then transported to a rehabilitation center where it will remain until arrangements for relocation are finalized.

State officials stressed that New York law prohibits people from importing, owning, or selling alligators, caimans, crocodiles, or related products unless they have the proper permits. Authorities are now conducting an investigation to determine who illegally released the animal.

The DEC emphasized that keeping exotic reptiles without authorization carries penalties and asked the public to come forward with any information.

Incidents involving alligators are not unfamiliar to the DEC. In 2024, officers dealt with a high-profile case in Hamburg involving “Albert,” a 750-pound alligator whose owner, Tony Cavallaro, fought a lengthy legal battle for his return.

The DEC had removed Albert that March arguing Cavallaro lacked a valid permit. Months later, in February of this year, a judge ordered the state to review Cavallaro’s application for a Dangerous Animal License within 30 days.

Young Alligator Captured from New York Pond