3-foot alligator found roaming Inwood streets dies

INWOOD, N.Y. (WABC) -- A roaming reptile found on a New York City street has died.

Police in the 34th Precinct sent out a tweet after they found a 3-foot-long alligator, likely an illegal pet, strolling on Ninth Avenue at West 205th Street in Inwood.

The alligator, nicknamed CockadoodleQ, passed away 12 hours after being rescued by Animal Control. Eyewitness Viewer Jose Huntan got cell footage of the gator creeping around about 4:30 p.m. Thursday before officers arrived to help. The cops managed to corner the animal until emergency services units arrived.

"People have never seen it before, let alone a city street," store manager Eddie Perez said.

The gator was caught just 100 yards from a summer day camp and less than 50 feet from the Harlem River.

"We thought it came from river or sewer, or just dumped there," Perez said.

Emergency crews took the gator to the Animal Care Centers of New York City, where medical staff removed the duct tape that had been placed on the snout. It was placed into an aquarium-type setting.

"Sadly the alligator, which staff had named CockadoodleQ, died this morning," the ACC said in a statement released Friday. "We have no knowledge of the conditions CockadoodleQ had lived in prior to his arrival that contributed to his death. Exotic animals such as alligators are illegal to have as pets in New York City."

Just last week, a 90-pound gator and nine boas were found in a Brooklyn raid. And there's the infamous 2003 story of Ming the pet tiger captured in the Harlem. And it's more than jaw dropping, it's criminal. New York City Health Code Section 161 has 18 pages on animal ordinances and specifically lists alligators as prohibited pets.

Whoever brings wild animals into the city is bringing danger, and in the case of this gator, a cruel ending.