A 4-foot-long alligator has been pulled out of a park lake in New York City.

The creature, which has been nicknamed Godzilla, was spotted in a lake in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Sunday.

The animal was said to be in poor condition and was “very lethargic and possibly cold-shocked” when it was rescued.

It is not clear how the alligator found its way into the lake, but it has been suggested it may have been abandoned by its owner.

The release of animals into New York parks is illegal, while officials also warned how such action can introduce a serious threat to other species.

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In a statement, NYC Parks said: “Thankfully no one was harmed and the animal is being evaluated.

“In addition to the potential danger to parkgoers this could have caused, releasing non-indigenous animals or unwanted pets can lead to the elimination of native species and unhealthy water quality.”

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