VIDEO: Alligator captured in New Jersey river

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. -- An alligator was pulled from a New Jersey river Wednesday morning.

NewsCopter 7 was over the scene just after noon as crews captured the alligator in the Passaic River in Elmwood Park.

A person who was fishing spotted the alligator in the river at about 8:30 a.m., according to Elmwood Park police. Police, firefighters and wildlife officials were all involved in capturing the animal.

Authorities said they believe someone raised the reptile and then decided to dump it in the river.

The state Department of Environmental Protection said the gator is 4 to 5 feet long and appears to be in good condition.

The DEP says finding an alligator is uncommon in New Jersey, adding that it would never survive the water temperatures during a New Jersey winter.

State officials are reaching out to several organizations, in and out of state, to try and find the alligator a home. It is currently in a secure location.