Catch you later, alligator, say Central Park officers

By DAVID USBORNE

NEW YORK - they were gathered around the edges of the Harlem Meer, a lake in the northern reaches of New York's Central Park, all straining to spot any unusual rippling of the waters yesterday.

The word was out and it had to be true - lurking beneath the surface was an alligator.

Distinguishing fact from urban legend has always been hard in Gotham. All New York children know that the city's sewers are alive with crocodiles and alligators plotting to burst open the manhole covers on a hot night and consume us all. But this story is true, it seems.

About 25 people have individually reported to park police that they have seen the alligator - a tiny specimen, measuring perhaps only 2ft - in the Meer. Park officials have been out on motor boats to try to capture it but with no success.

The parks commissioner even came before the press yesterday to reassure city residents that they are safe. "Unless you smear yourself with honey and stick your toes in the Meer, you'll be fine," he said.

The thing hasn't actually been seen since the weekend.

- INDEPENDENT