2nd Alligator Pulled From Ocean County Lake

Jackson, NJ — For the second time in just over a month, an American alligator has been pulled from the lake at Maple Lake Campground, according to a report.

News12 New Jersey reported this alligator, about 2 feet long, was caught by fishermen using baited hooks.

A 2-foot-long alligator was pulled from the lake at the campground on Memorial Day as well, police said at the time. Visitors at the campground, on East Veterans Highway, called police when they saw the gator on that occasion, Jackson police said at the time.

The alligators were turned over to an exotic animal handler.

The alligators are believed to have been pets that were released into the lake. Owning alligators as pets is illegal in New Jersey, one of a number of exotic animals that are not permitted as pets.

The state Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains a list of exotic animals that are banned as pets as well as those allowed, with the rules for having them. Read that full list here. (And leave the gators in Florida.)

This American alligator was pulled from a lake in Jackson on Memorial Day. Photo via Jackson Township Police