MELVILLE, N.Y. (AP) -- Authorities said a crocodile has been found in an industrial parking lot on Long Island.
Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross said a $1,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.
The three-foot crocodile was found Tuesday morning in Melville after an anonymous caller notified a local animal shelter. Gross said investigators believe the caller may have been the one who dumped the reptile.
Gross said the crocodile was found in a cardboard box in the middle of the parking lot and appeared aggressive.
He said whoever dumped the creature could face misdemeanor charges. If they would've surrendered the animal to police, they could have been given amnesty.
Owning a crocodile in New York without a license is illegal.