Police probe Mastic reptile theft

Police are hoping to put the squeeze on whoever stole three boa constrictors, and a pet alligator and lizard from a Mastic pet store.

The albino boas, as well as a 5-foot Argentine red tegu lizard and a 31/2-foot American alligator, were taken Sunday or Monday from The Animal Hut, 1280B Montauk Hwy., Suffolk police said.

The alligator, named Alli, and the lizard were personal pets of the store owner, he said Tuesday.

"It's like somebody took my puppy," said the store owner, who gave his name as Alex.

The total value of all the animals taken was estimated at $1,500, police said.

The animals were stolen between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday, police said.

Seventh Squad detectives are investigating and police said anyone with information about the theft could contact them at 631-852-8735 or confidentially through CrimeStoppers at 800-220-TIPS.

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The store owner said he was worried that the stolen reptiles would be harmed by the frigid winter weather.

"They've got to stay at 80 degrees and above," he said. "It's cold out. It's really cold out."

Boa constrictors are native to Central America, South America and some islands of the Caribbean and live on a diet of small mice, birds, bats, lizards and amphibians. Experts say they are docile - usually - when held in captivity.

The red tegu normally eats crickets, mealworms, mice, fish and chicken, and will sometimes eat strawberries, mangoes, papayas and bananas in captivity, experts say.

Small and large alligators are carnivores, and dine on insects, snakes and small mammals, along with other assorted wildlife.