"Alligators in the Sewers"

"Alligators in the Sewers" is a phrase originating from urban tales suggesting that some people release exotic animals into city drainage systems, leading to hidden populations of alligators living beneath urban streets. While the idea is largely sensationalized, it highlights concerns about exotic pet ownership and animal welfare. Real-world incidents have shown that some small alligators, abandoned as pets, have survived in sewers or drainage systems for a time, but these situations are rare. The phrase has also been used metaphorically to describe unexpected or hidden problems lurking beneath the surface of seemingly normal environments.