Gator-aid : Alligator discovered in Long Island pond as dangerous trend grows

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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.

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 any alligator, caiman, or crocodile without proper DEC permits in the state of New York.

Frank Floridia, president of Strong Island Animal Rescue League, told The Post that he’s seen a recent trend of Long Islanders getting exotic animals as pets and then dumping them — which he said poses a threat to both humans and the environment.

His group recently got a call about a tegu lizard — which are native to South America and can grow to 4.5 feet long and weigh 20 pounds — on the loose in Centereach.

“It’s not supposed to be here. It’s very dangerous,” he said. “And we ended up catching that. It was pretty big, like four feet long.”