After A While, Crocodile: New York City unveils life-size gator sculpture

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — New York City is paying homage to the city’s long-lasting myth that alligators lurk in the sewers.

A new sculpture consists of an alligator wrapped around a manhole.

The myth dates back to the 1930s when the New York Times wrote a story about youths beating an alligator to death after they found it in a sewer.

But cold-blooded reptiles prefer warm climates such as the southeastern parts of the United States.

Officials say it’s important to note that owning an alligator is illegal in the state of New York.