Alligator Pulled From Ocean County Campground Lake

A two-foot-long alligator was pulled from the lake at Maple Lake Campground on East Veteran’s Highway in Jackson on Monday, authorities said.

According to Captain Steven Laskiewicz, officers with the Jackson Police Department were called to the campground Monday at 4:10 p.m. for a report that there was an alligator in the lake.

The officers responded with Animal Control Officer Jim Rand, who was able to catch the young alligator without incident, Laskiewicz said.

Police said it was American Alligator, which can grow as long as 11 feet.

Authorities suspect the animal was once a pet but was released into the lake as it grew.

The alligator was transferred by Animal Control to the care of a licensed exotic reptile handler while awaiting word from Fish and Game on what to do with it.