Juvenile alligator safely captured from New York pond; investigation ongoing

FREEPORT, N.Y. — A juvenile alligator spotted in a freshwater pond on Long Island was safely captured by environmental conservation officers earlier this month and transported to a licensed rehabilitator.

The sighting was reported Aug. 7 by a local birdwatcher at Cow Meadow Preserve in Freeport. They provided officers with a clear photo of the reptile and remained at the pond until three environmental conservation officers arrived, according to a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation newsletter.

The officers responded with a canoe, and they captured the alligator without incident. The juvenile is now at a rehabilitation facility, awaiting permanent relocation.

The DEC reminds people that in New York State, it is illegal to import, possess, or sell alligators, caimans,