6 Foot Long Alligator Seized By New York State – Is There One In Your Neighborhood?

I had to write this story because I never cease to be amazed at how dumb some people can be. Why would you think it is alright to keep a 6 foot long alligator in your back yard in Long Island? According to an article I just saw by NEWS 10 ABC some guy in Suffolk County just learned that it is indeed NOT Okay.

According to the article: "DEC officials have charged a New York man with the unlawful possession of an American alligator in his backyard.

The man had been keeping the 6-foot long aquatic reptile as a pet in a fenced-in area on his property. The animal has since been taken to a permitted facility in Massachusetts."

Seriously? I didn't think these things could thrive let alone live in New York's climate but why would you want to see if they could? I'm not sure of what kind of neighborhood this guy lives in but I'm pretty sure if this thing was in a backyard near my house SOMEONE"S kids would be getting too close and injured. Just irresponsible.

This is why the article went on to say, "if you see an environmental violation, like an unusual pet in a neighbor’s backyard, call the 24 hour DEC hotline at 1-800-DEC-ECOS or 1-844-332-3267."

SO while I never thought I would have to say this, if you see an enormous alligator in your neibor's yard please make that phone call to the DEC.