From The New York Times, June 7, 1937:

Alligators in the sewers / Sewer, Gas & Electric / Home

ALLIGATOR IN SUBWAY

Calmly Walks Toward Terrified Crowd—Policemen Capture It

Passengers waiting on the eastbound platform of the Brooklyn Museum station of the I.R.T. subway just before midnight were startled by the sudden appearance of a two-foot alligator which had emerged from a refuse can.

As the alligator moved toward them, the passengers, mostly women, screamed and fled toward the nearest exit. Thomas Carney, station agent, summoned the police.

When Patrolmen James O’Connell and Edward O’Keefe reached the platform the alligator walked toward them with apparent unconcern. O’Keefe immediately pounced on the reptile and managed to keep out of range of the snapping jaws while O’Connell got a rope and lassoed the alligator's mouth. They placed the alligator in a paper carton and took it to the Grand Avenue Station, where the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called for it.

Passengers on the station told the police that shortly before the alligator appeared a man put a large bundle in the refuse can..

 

Copyright 1937 The New York Times