Residents and visitors in Milford Township are on alert after multiple reports suggest an uninvited, scaly guest could be lurking in Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. Huron-Clinton Metroparks officials haven't caught sight of the reptilian creature yet, but they're taking no chances, slapping up signs to warn park-goers about the potential alligator presence, CBS News Detroit reported.
This potential gator gate has local authorities on their toes, with teams from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, and even experts from the Detroit Zoo combing the area, while a helicopter took to the skies above to join the search efforts, as spotted by WXYZ. These signs of caution tell something clear: if there's truth to the reports, and if you see the toothy trespasser, don't try to snap a selfie; call the park police at 810-227-8910 instead, a very real precaution against an issue that could be as dangerous as reptiles come.
The idea of alligators in Michigan might sound as out of place as a surfer in a snowstorm, but officials believe the scenario they're facing is the result of someone releasing their pet into the wild, ClickOnDetroit noted. Alligators typically enjoy sunning themselves in the hot climates of southeastern states and aren't known as fans of the Great Lakes' chillier waters.
Despite the ongoing investigation and no solid gator sightings yet, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks officials aren't taking any risks particularly since an alligator's camouflaging capabilities are infamously good at hiding them just below the water's surface. They issued a reminder, "We remind visitors that pets or wildlife of any kind should not be released and relocated to the Metroparks," not to repeat the mistake that might have put this potential Michigan gator on the map, WXYZ reported.
