Crocodile Found on Holtsville Walking Trail; $1,000 Reward Offered in Suspected Dumping Case
A crocodile discovered on a walking trail at the Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center has prompted an investigation into suspected animal abandonment. Strong Island Animal Rescue League is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever left the reptile there. Town employees spotted the animal on September 17 and alerted staff, who contained it before rescuers arrived. Strong Island Animal Rescue League responded, along with officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A video shared by the rescue organization showed the small crocodile resting inside a cardboard box. Although the initial call described an alligator, DEC officials later identified the animal as a Morelet’s crocodile measuring less than 2 feet long, according to a statement. Small Reptile, Serious Concerns Frank Floridia, president of Strong Island Animal Rescue League, described the discovery as “very concerning” in an interview with the New York Post. While the crocodile did not behave aggressively during the rescue, he warned that its bite could cause significant injuries. He also raised concerns about the animal’s welfare, explaining that the surroundings did not provide the habitat it needed to survive. The rescue group praised the workers who kept track of the crocodile and secured it until help arrived. Rescuers subsequently searched the area for other potentially abandoned reptiles but reported finding none. The organization urged anyone who knew how the crocodile arrived at the property to come forward. After DEC officers took possession of the animal, it was placed with the Nassau County SPCA. As of September 21, it was awaiting transfer to a properly permitted facility, the DEC told PEOPLE. Investigation and Appeal for Information The Suffolk County SPCA also opened an investigation. Chief Roy Gross told Patch that investigators were treating the discovery as an abandonment case and working to determine where the crocodile came from and who released it. DEC officials reminded residents that importing, possessing or selling alligators, caimans or crocodiles in New York requires the appropriate state permits. Gross also told Patch that the Suffolk County SPCA was offering an amnesty option for owners seeking to surrender illegally kept exotic animals, rather than abandoning them. Anyone with information about the Holtsville incident can contact the DEC’s 24-hour hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS. Strong Island Animal Rescue League has also asked people with information to contact the organization directly.