Alligator fished out of N.Y. pond

Alligator fished out of N.Y. pond
Published: Aug. 15, 2008 at 4:14 PM

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y., Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Wildlife officials said they fished a 3-foot alligator out of a Chappaqua, N.Y., pond one day after a sighting of the animal was reported to police.

Josh Dreisacker, field manager of Westchester Wildlife Control, said he managed to tangle the reptile in fishing line and take it into custody Wednesday night, the White Plains (N.Y.) Journal reported Friday.

Dreisacker said he is now searching for a new home for the gator, which he said probably used to be someone's pet because it is not shy around humans.

Robert D'Allasandro, the man who reported the gator sighting to police Tuesday, said he was relieved to hear the animal was caught.

"When he spotted me, he jumped in the water and then he turned around and popped his whole head out," he said of the alligator. "(He) was looking right at me for about 10 minutes. He was staring at me and I was staring at him."

D'Allasandro said police sounded surprised when he reported the sighting.

"They were a little dumbfounded," D'Allasandro said. "I mean, who sees an alligator in Westchester County?"