Suffolk County, NY - May 27th, 2015 - A close to six foot long American Alligator was turned over to the Suffolk County SPCA yesterday by its owner of 17 years.

Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk SPCA said that the Alligator was given to the Suffolk County SPCA because the owner, who had valid licenses to possess the animal, knew it would receive proper care and sanctuary.  The owner, who has had the Alligator he named "Rocky" since it was a baby, said that it had grown too large for him to handle. He further stated that these reptiles are very dangerous and should not be kept as pets.

Gross said that Rocky was turned over to Michael Ralbovsky, a licensed Herpetologist from Rainforest Reptile Sanctuary in Massachusetts.