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Ryan Reynolds, the mayor of the small Village of Whitney Point, near Binghamton, posted a photo on Facebook of the alligator after the first reported sightings (above) began on social media last weekend.
The gator, which apparently escaped from an unknown residence, was captured Saturday afternoon behind Whitney Point's fairgrounds.
"The legend of the Whitney Point gator has reached a happy ending," Reynolds posted on Facebook Saturday. "The alligator has been caught by the Department of Environmental Conservation and transported to its new home at Animal Adventure in Harpursville. What a story and what a week! I'd like to suggest the name Lucille for the record."
Reynolds said DEC believes the gator "was once someone's pet and was let go in the area sometime in the last month."
Since New York state does not allow for the keeping of alligators as pets, the gator's owner could face a fine if identified by authorities.
The alligator will be placed on exhibit at Animal Adventure, according to a press release.
“Animal education and appreciation is our top priority at Animal Adventure Park,” Jordan Patch, owner of Animal Adventure, said. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this animal with a safe, appropriate environment and the home it deserves.”
Fans of the gator may also check out a Twitter account launched in its behalf at @W_Point_Gator.
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