An alligator was recently rescued from a creek in Haverstraw, New York, and is now on its way to a reptile sanctuary in Fort Lauderdale. The alligator was spotted by George Barbera in the Minisceongo Creek in Garnersville, Rockland County, and he immediately called the police for help. The alligator turned out to be larger than expected once it was safely on land.
Haverstraw Police Department officers attempted to lure the alligator out of the creek with a piece of meat on a fishing pole, but the cold-blooded reptile was not interested. Eventually, they were able to capture the alligator using a catch pole and handed it over to the Hudson Valley Humane Society in Pomona for examination.
A herpetology expert from the Bronx Zoo determined that the juvenile male alligator was in good shape, despite being cold and in a subdued mood. The alligator will now be relocated to a licensed reptile sanctuary in Ulster County, where it can potentially live for up to 50 years.
The police are currently investigating the incident and trying to determine who abandoned the alligator in the creek. According to Ann Marie Gaudio from the Hudson Valley Humane Society, it is illegal to abandon animals under New York State Agriculture and Markets laws. It is important to have a license to own an alligator in New York, and it is advised to seek help if you are unable to care for any animal.
The humane society is considering naming the alligator either “Philippe” or “Al E. Gator” and is asking the community for their input on the matter. It is essential to remember to always seek help and never abandon animals, whether they are domestic or exotic.
In conclusion, the alligator rescue story highlights the importance of responsible animal ownership and the consequences of abandoning animals in the wild. It is crucial to provide proper care for all creatures and seek help when needed. Let’s hope that the alligator will thrive in its new home at the reptile sanctuary in Fort Lauderdale.
