The alligator found wandering the streets of upper Manhattan couldn’t make it in the big city.

The 3-foot-long creature was spotted trying to cross Ninth Ave. at W. 205th Street in Inwood on Thursday afternoon, and instantly became a curiosity. But it died on Friday before it could be moved to a wildlife sanctuary.

It is unknown whether the gator was a pet that escaped or was dumped by its owner. Officials also aren’t sure whether it had been hurt while out on the street, or exactly why it died.

The animal, which is illegal to own in New York City, was brought to New York Animal Care Centers by police.

Staffers said they placed the gator in an aquarium type setting with a small shallow pool of water along with a supplemental heat source.