The Suffolk County SPCA announced today that it has rescued yet another alligator, this time from a main highway in Wading River. 

            Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk County SPCA said that the alligator, measuring approximately 3 and a half feet long, was found by two Wading River residents in a grassy area as they were walking alongside Route 25A.  The people, who did not wish to be identified, called the SPCA and agents from the SPCA's EART (Emergency Animal Response Team) responded and rescued the reptile.  The reptile was examined and found to have some front teeth missing but it was still capable of inflicting serious injury to humans and death to small animals and pets.  Chief Gross said, "this is the biggest year for these rescues, with over 100 alligators, snakes and other exotic reptiles.  These animals are extremely dangerous and now they're being abandoned on the side of the road where people walk and cycle.  With cooler temperatures on the way, this gator would have had a real tough time surviving."

            The Suffolk County SPCA is offering a one thousand dollar ($1,000.00) reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for abandoning the alligator.  Anyone with information is asked to call the SPCA at 631-382-7722.  All calls will be kept confidential.

            The Suffolk County SPCA is appealing to the public for financial help, so that we may provide the necessary medical care for the exotic animals we rescue until they can be transported to a reptile sanctuary out of New York State.  We are a private, nonprofit, charitable organization and the voice for animals in SuffolkCounty.  We do not receive taxpayer or public funding and we must rely on the support and generosity of donors to exist.  Donations can be mailed to Suffolk County SPCA, 363 Rt. 111, Smithtown, NY11787 or by logging on to our website