A 3-foot-long alligator that was living in a home on Long Island has been turned in by its owner, authorities say.
The pet alligator lived in a home in Shirley before its owner gave it to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the organization said.
The reptile, which was identified as a smooth-fronted caiman, was so vicious and dangerous that it could hardly be handled, according to the SPCA.
It appeared healthy and was transferred by the SPCA to a licensed reptile sanctuary out of state.
This isn't the first time an alligator showed up on Long Island. Sightings are pretty common, especially in the summertime. They're usually turned in by their owners or found roaming around near water.
More than a dozen of the creatures were found on Long Island in 2013.
It is illegal to own an alligator in New York state and people who keep the animals as pets could be fined.
