New ‘Alligator’ Laws in New York State

New York State has a lot of laws that pertain to anyone who is looking to own an alligator or something similar like hides or alligator products. You need a permit either way, but there are a lot of hoops you have to go to and tighten laws to own an alligator since the Albert the Alligator incident happened in Western New York.

What ever happened to Albert the Alligator from Hamburg, New York?

There was a 'famous' alligator that was from Hamburg that a man owned and kept in a sun room in his house. The alligator was full grown at nearly 10 feet long and was seized by the New York State DEC back in March of 2024.

The seizure occurred because the owner's license to keep the animal had expired and then the alligator was moved to Texas where it still lives.

Albert the Alligator's owner, Tony posted on Facebook in December--that was the last update that he gave us from social media about getting Albert 'back'. A lot of experts think that it will never happen, but Tony has some hope. You can see his post below to see the update and pictures of Albert the Alligator.

If you are trying to sell hides of alligators or any products made from alligators or similar, you actually need to apply to New York State to sell them.

A Crocodilian Registration authorizes the holder to import or possess Alligator, Caiman, and Crocodile parts or products with the intention of:

• Future sale at wholesale
• Tanning or processing of hides
• Fabricating or finishing products