Alligator spotted on Belle Isle
The DNR said a report of an alligator on Belle Isle is credible after photos and videos taken showing the animal were posted to social media.
DETROIT (FOX 2) – The Michigan Department of Resources said it is investigating reports of an alligator on Belle Isle in Detroit.
According to the DNR, the gator hasn’t been spotted by staff, but a photo of an alligator posted to social media included geo-location data from Belle Isle. They were alerted about the gator last Friday.
“The report is considered credible and consistent,” the DNR said in a statement.
Lynn Blasey, a Hamtramck resident who regularly visits Belle Isle, shared photos of the alligator after seeing it perched on a rock Sunday. She is not the first person to report the gator, but said she did alert the DNR about her sighting.
(Photo courtesy of Lynn Blasey)
The DNR issued a warning that releasing wildlife into state parks is prohibited. It is also harmful “to the animal, the ecosystem, and public safety” because non-native animals can disrupt ecosystems and pose threats to visitors.
What you can do:
The DNR is reminding people to not approach any wildlife.
If you observe unusual wildlife activity, please report it immediately to the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.
Dig deeper:
The DNR also said it is aware of social media rumors about a boa constrictor sighting on Belle Island. However, the department said no reports have been received about these alleged sightings, and no evidence supports the claims.
The Source: This information is from a Michigan Department of Resources statement.