It’s no urban legend: An alligator was found in a chilly New York City lake on Sunday, far from the subtropical and tropical climates where such creatures thrive.
The 4-foot (1.2-meter) reptile was pulled from Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn around 8:30 a.m. and taken to an animal care center and then the Bronx Zoo for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
City officials said the gator appeared lethargic and possibly cold-shocked. It was likely dumped as an unwanted pet, they said. Releasing animals in city parks is illegal. Police are investigating.
For years, New Yorkers have pondered the myth that alligators roam the city’s sewer system, even celebrating Alligators in the Sewers Day as an unofficial February holiday.
Sightings like Sunday’s help keep the urban legend alive, but experts throw cold water on the sewer theory. Alligators aren’t suited to the sewer system's frigid, toxic environment, they say.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom offered his help to negotiate an end to the Hollywood strike.
Federal prosecutors have dropped a finance campaign charge against former disgraced FTX executive Sam Bankman-Fried.
Three Marines found dead in a vehicle in North Carolina died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
An Arizona teenager missing since 2019 was found in Montana.
A judge in Michigan must decide whether a school shooter who killed four students and hurt seven others in 2021 should spend the rest of his life in prison.
A UK judge ruled that Prince Harry's lawsuit against The Sun tabloid could go to trial but threw out phone hacking allegations.
Three Marines were found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning inside a vehicle in North Carolina.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has offered to help negotiate a deal to end the Hollywood strike.
Police in Glendale, Arizona confirmed a teenager missing since 2019 has been found in Montana.
Severe thunderstorms hit southern Michigan on Wednesday, downing trees in the area and leaving about 180,000 households without power.
