Focus on the BIG picture.
Friday, Feb 20, 2026
Outside the box.
Alligator Found in New York's Minisceongo Creek Sparks Curiosity
Authorities rescue a young alligator from an unfamiliar habitat in Rockland County.
On November 14, 2023, a juvenile alligator was found in Minisceongo Creek, Rockland County, New York, causing widespread intrigue about its origins.
The Haverstraw Police Department, praised for their swift response, safely removed the alligator.
The Hudson Valley Humane Society of Pomona took charge of the animal's care, highlighting the effective collaboration between local authorities.
Social media buzzed with speculation, with many suggesting the alligator was an abandoned pet—a common issue due to illegal ownership in New York once these creatures grow too big.
Herpetologists from the Bronx Zoo confirmed the rescued alligator, a male named Philippe, was healthy before being transferred to Reptile Encounters in Saugerties, New York, for ongoing care.
The incident underscores the challenge of illegal exotic pet ownership and abandonment.
The Haverstraw Police Department, praised for their swift response, safely removed the alligator.
The Hudson Valley Humane Society of Pomona took charge of the animal's care, highlighting the effective collaboration between local authorities.
Social media buzzed with speculation, with many suggesting the alligator was an abandoned pet—a common issue due to illegal ownership in New York once these creatures grow too big.
Herpetologists from the Bronx Zoo confirmed the rescued alligator, a male named Philippe, was healthy before being transferred to Reptile Encounters in Saugerties, New York, for ongoing care.
The incident underscores the challenge of illegal exotic pet ownership and abandonment.
