An alligator was pulled from a Long Island pond this month, highlighting a worrying trend: more people are dumping exotic pets in local parks. The two-foot gator, discovered by a birdwatcher in Freeport’s Cow Meadow Preserve, was safely rescued by environmental officers. Animal experts warn that abandoned reptiles like alligators and tegu lizards aren’t just dangerous for people—they can also seriously disrupt local wildlife. Why do some pet owners release these animals, and what can communities do to prevent it? Let’s talk about how this impacts our neighborhoods and what steps we should take next. #Science #LongIsland #Wildlife