State officers rescue alligator illegally dumped in Freeport pond, officials say

An alligator that had been illegally dumped in Cow Meadow Park and Preserve  in Freeport has been rescued and taken to a licensed rehabilitator, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

A bird-watcher spotted the young reptile in a pond on Aug. 7 and alerted the DEC, which sent three officers to the scene, the department said Friday. The officers launched a canoe into the pond and were able to capture the alligator without incident. The alligator was taken to a rehabilitator experienced in caring for reptiles, officials said.

Alligators are native to swampy wetlands in the Southeastern U.S., from the Gulf of Mexico to Florida and the Carolinas. Under New York law it’s illegal to "import, possess, or sell" an alligator — or a crocodile or caiman — without permits.

Animal welfare and wildlife experts argue that wild and exotic animals, including reptiles, mammals and birds, should not be kept as pets. In captivity these animals cannot exercise their normal behaviors, the organization Born Free notes, which "causes extreme boredom, frustration, and even various states of psychosis." Wild animals kept as pets can also pose a danger to humans. 

Experts also warn that releasing any pet or non-native animal in the wild is inhumane and destructive to the environment. Some animals may be unable to fend for themselves and either starve, freeze or become easy prey. Others may outcompete native animals and disrupt local ecosystems.

Authorities are investigating how the alligator ended up in the preserve. 

DEC officials could not be reached for comment Sunday.