Authorities: Alligator found crossing busy New York City intersection dies unexpectedly

In this Thursday, July 23, 2015 photo provided by the NYPD, an alligator crosses Ninth Avenue in Manhattan's Inwood neighborhood of New York. A spokesman for Animal Care and Control of NYC says the 3-foot alligator that officers found died Friday morning. (NYPD via AP) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – An alligator that was caught crossing a New York City street during rush hour has died unexpectedly.

A spokesman for Animal Care and Control of NYC says the 3-foot alligator died Friday morning.

Police officers had discovered the creature crossing Ninth Avenue in Manhattan's Inwood neighborhood Thursday evening.

The spokesman said authorities have not yet identified the alligator's cause of death.

Exotic animals, including alligators, are illegal to have as pets in New York City.