Michigan park officials sound alarm over possible alligator sighting: ‘Be careful’

Park officials in Michigan informed residents this week of a possible alligator sighting and advised them to remain alert.

According to Hometownlife.com, part of the USA Today Network, the reptile was spotted Thursday in Kensington Metropark in Milford, about 40 miles from Detroit. Park police and other agencies, including Oakland Animal Control and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, launched a hunt for the alligator.

Danielle Mauter, communications specialist for Metropark, said the search lasted until just after midnight and involved drones, ATVs, boats and a helicopter. She thanked all volunteers for their extensive efforts.

“Despite our best efforts and genuine cooperation, we were unable to locate or locate the alligator,” Mauter said in a statement Friday. “There were questions about the size that we cannot confirm from the one reported sighting. At this time, we will keep our eyes peeled for any reappearance of the possible alligator, and we will leave the warning signs up so the public can also receive assistance in the event of any sightings.”

Signs in the park warn, “Caution. Possible Alligator Sighting in Kent Lake” and advise visitors to call Metroparks Police at 810-227-8910 if an alligator is spotted.

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Mauter said all areas of the park remain open. The sighting occurred in an area of ​​the lake where swimming is not permitted and also in an area that is “less used” for boating. She also noted that “if this sighting is real, it is most likely the result of someone releasing an alligator into the lake as a pet.”

Although alligators are not native to Michigan, they are found in several states across the United States, including:

• Florida

• Louisiana

• Texas

• Mississippi

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

• Georgia

• Mississippi

• Arkansas

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan officials search for alligator spotted in park