July 08, 2015
Authorities in North Jersey captured a rare specimen on Wednesday afternoon when they hauled in a 4-foot alligator swimming in the Passaic River.
The gator was spotted Wednesday morning by a local fisherman who couldn't believe his eyes, guessing at first it might be a snapping turtle or a floating log, according to NorthJersey.com.
Police, wildlife and fire officials were quickly called to the scene in Elmwood Park, followed by onlookers hoping to get a glimpse of the exotic visitor. The final minutes of a nearly 2-hour hunt were captured by NBC's Chopper 4.
Officials from the state Division of Fish and Wildlife later identified the reptile as an American alligator, which measures between 4 and 7 feet long. Elmwood Park Police Chief Michael Foligno said he suspected the alligator was a former pet who grew too big and was let go by its owner.
Anyone with information leading to the person responsible for releasing the alligator is asked to contact the Elmwood Park Police at (201) 796-0700.
