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An alligator was discovered this month in a freshwater pond in Freeport, Long Island — part of a growing trend of exotic, non-native pets being dumped in the region.

The juvenile, roughly two-foot-long gator was found by a birdwatcher on Aug. 7 at the Cow Meadow Preserve, a 150-acre preserve located in Cow Meadow Park.

ECP officers reported to Cow Meadow Preserve to transport the animal to a rehabilitation facility. Department of Environmental Conservation

Three Environmental Conservation Police officers arrived by canoe and brought the reptile to a rehabilitation facility in the area, where it awaits relocation, officials said.

An investigation is underway to find the individual who released the animal since it’s illegal to import, possess, or sell

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