NEW YORK — A strange visitor to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park took maintenance crews by surprise on Sunday.
It was because they saw a 4-foot-long alligator inside the park that trained animal officers were able to capture. It is not known how the animal got there.
“We are grateful to our Park Police Patrol and City Park Wardens who sprang into action to capture and transport the alligator. Thankfully, no one was injured and the animal is being assessed,” said a city spokesperson.
City officials say the animal was in poor condition and possibly in shock from the water. Alligators are obviously not native to the region.
Experts warn that exotic animals can harm local species and the environment. Also, releasing animals into city parks is illegal.
The reptile has since been transferred to the Bronx Zoo, where it will undergo rehabilitation.