Alligator found in poor health in Prospect Park lake
NEW YORK -- An alligator was discovered over the weekend in a lake at Prospect Park.
Parks employees caught the 4-foot gator after maintenance workers spotted it Sunday morning.
"One of the enforcement officers was notified about an alligator in the lake, surprisingly, on a Sunday morning, very early," Parks Ranger Sgt. Judith Velosky told CBS2. "She was able to use a snare pole to grab it and pull it to shore... I got there shortly after that, and together we got it in the crate."
Officials say the reptile was in poor condition, very lethargic and possibly cold shocked since it's native to warm, tropical climates. It was taken to Animal Care Control to be evaluated and treated, and then transported to the Bronx Zoo for rehabilitation.
"It couldn't be in a better place that the Wildlife Conservation Society," said Velosky. "It's a very lucky animal."
CBS2's Natalie Duddridge spoke with people Monday in the busy area, where lots of kids and pets were running around -- just glad they did not become a snack.
"Knowing me, I probably wouldn't even notice and would get eaten alive," photographer David Langendorfer told Duddridge.
As for how the alligator got there, officials say the only possibility is that someone released it, likely an unwanted pet. Some park goers wondered if it had been living in someone's bathtub.
"What do you feed something like that to get it that big over the years? Do you take him out to go to the bathroom? Do you take him for a walk?" Langendorfer asked.
Officials say parks are not suitable homes for unwanted animals to be released, especially when they aren't indigenous to the area. They say it can also lead to the elimination of native species and unhealthy water quality.
"I just think it's sad that people take these animals that are clearly meant for the wild, and then when they're too big and they become exactly what they're supposed to be, they then unleash it into a public park, where they're endangering the animal," resident Ali Cygan said.
Another park goer said he hopes the gator at least got to taste the local cuisine.
"Not sure what the gator would've eaten, probably couple of the geese. Or a slice over at Vinny's on the corner there," said Daniel Feldman.
No matter how good a New York slice is, experts say alligators prefer fish and birds, and they can devour up to 40 pounds in just one feeding. This one likely wouldn't have survived in the park for more than a couple days.
It's illegal to own an alligator in New York, and they should be turned in to Animal Control.