Report: 3 Alligators Dropped Off At Illegal Reptile Turn-In On Long Island

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Three alligators were turned in this weekend at the first-ever amnesty program for owners of illegal reptiles in Suffolk County.

The Reptile and Amphibian Amnesty Day was held Saturday at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, Long Island.

One of the illegal pets, a 4-foot alligator named Wally, was turned in by a man who told the New York Post he was "done" with alligators. Another was dropped off by a man who did not remain to be seen, and a third was left behind in a box, the newspaper reported.

The Rainforest Reptile Show Educational Program adopted the animals, the newspaper reported.

Authorities did not ask the names of the people who turned in the reptiles, and they did not face charges.

Late last year, at least nine alligators were found abandoned in a period of a few weeks in Suffolk and Nassau counties.

Keeping alligators and other illegal reptiles as pets can result in a maximum fine of $250. Publicly releasing one could lead to a year in jail.

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