On April 27 at 9:45 am, New York State Environmental Conservation Officers responded to reports of a possible alligator at Steinmetz Park in Schenectady.
The ECOs said they canvassed the park for signs of an alligator and found none.
With the aid of binoculars, the responding officers observed a large common snapping turtle with a 16-inch carapace/shell just below the surface of the water, which could have been mistaken for an alligator.
ECO’s reported that a second canvass of the pond’s edge revealed no tracks along the shoreline. The Schenectady Police Department has set up a portable camera pole overlooking the pond.
Area residents should call the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267) to report any additional sightings.
Photo of the alleged alligator provided by DEC.
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