DNR Captures Rare Photo of Alligator in the Wild

Just last week, police found a crocodile on someone's front lawn, and now the DNR has photos of an alligator in the wild in another location.

Alligators and crocodiles are not native to Michigan, but due to exotic-pet ownership, some are released when they grow too large to manage.

Types of Michigan Reptiles

Michigan has its fair share of reptiles, but nothing like what you would find in Florida. Still, the Mitten state is home to two types of lizards, nineteen types of snakes, and eleven types of turtles. Notably, alligators and crocodiles are not among them.

Michigan has one venomous reptile, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, which is found only in the Lower Peninsula. A crocodile was spotted and captured by police in Hampton Township near Bay City a week ago. There is no information available on the origin of that reptile.

Read More: Michigan Cops Discover Crocodile in Front Yard

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources now has photo proof of an alligator in the wild.  Michigan's harsh winters make survival impossible for alligators and crocodiles in the wild.

DNR Shares Photo Proof Of Alligator In The Wild

Normally, when you hear about an alligator sighting in Michigan, it's kind of like a sasquatch; there's never a photo or video. Not this time, a lady got several pictures of an alligator sunning itself in one of the least likely places you would think you would spot one.

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According to WXYZ TV, Lynn Blasey from Hamtramck visited Belle Isle in Detroit last Friday, when she spotted an alligator and quickly snapped a few photos. The DNR was able to use the geo-location data to confirm the sighting.

The DNR is still determining its next steps and is warning residents not to attempt to catch the alligator, as it can be dangerous and unpredictable regardless of their size.

👇BELOW: 10 Animals You Can’t Own As Pets In Michigan👇