Four Gators Found In Suffolk County Ahead Of Illegal Reptile Turn-In Event
CALVERTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A New York man enjoying his morning cup of coffee Friday stumbled upon four alligators near a Long Island boat ramp.
Frank Nasse ran into the two and three feet long reptiles wading through the waters of the Peconic River in the Long Island town of Calverton, Newsday reported.
The newspaper says Nasse called state environmental officials, who used a catch pole to tie up the tough-skinned creatures, securing their jaws shut with yellow tape.
State Department of Environmental Conservation officials say the alligators will eventually be turned over to the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center.
Officials say it is illegal to keep alligators as pets.
There have been several recent cases of alligators running loose on Long Island. Last fall, at least nine alligators were found abandoned in a period of a few weeks in Suffolk and Nassau counties.
On April 27 officials will hold a "no questions asked'' amnesty program for owners to turn in illegal reptiles and amphibians.
The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be holding will be holding the event at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.
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