A sly alligator has caused quite a stir in New Jersey, managing to evade authorities not just once, but twice, leaving local law enforcement and officials baffled.
The elusive reptile’s presence in the Garden State has left authorities scratching their heads, as alligators are not native to the area.
Alligator’s Second Appearance Amplifies Concerns
Officials in Middlesex Borough, New Jersey, were taken by surprise when reports emerged of a 3 to 4-foot alligator prowling the waters of Lake Creighton, also known as the Duck Pond and the Ambrose Brook.
The alligator’s appearances, first noted on August 23, have sparked concern and prompted a joint effort by the Middlesex Borough Police Department and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to capture the creature.
One week after the initial sighting, the alligator struck again, reinforcing the urgent need to secure the area. A bystander recounted witnessing the alligator attacking a duck and dragging it beneath the water’s surface. However, despite search efforts, neither the alligator nor the duck’s remains could be located.
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Warnings Against Approaching the Reptile
In a video captured by Mario Fincher, the crafty alligator is seen leisurely swimming in the shallows, its presence a testament to nature’s unpredictable ways. Authorities, however, have issued stern warnings to the public, advising against any attempts to approach or capture the reptile.
With safety as their utmost priority, local law enforcement is working diligently with state partners to eliminate the potential threat posed by this non-native creature.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office has employed drones to aid in the search, while the Middlesex Borough Department of Public Works has been scouring the shoreline by boat. In addition, a trap has been set up on the lake’s edge near the area of the last sighting, with hopes of safely capturing the alligator.
As authorities grapple with the mystery of how this alligator found its way to the area, they are urging citizens to exercise caution and report any sightings to the Middlesex Borough Police Department or to contact NJ Fish & Wildlife.
The community’s cooperation and vigilance are crucial in ensuring the safety of both residents and wildlife as efforts continue to resolve this unexpected reptilian conundrum.
