Alligator In Michigan Lake…wait, what?
Someone saw an Alligator in Michigan Lake. Wait a minute, alligators are supposed to be out in the wild of Michigan, right? We’ve got a reported one in Kent Lake…
Gator Sign on Kent Lake
Someone saw an Alligator in Michigan Lake. Wait a minute, alligators are supposed to be out in the wild of Michigan, right? We’ve got a reported one in Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark in Milford Township.
Alligator in Michigan Lake - What We Know
A visitor at Kensington Metropark reported seeing the alligator in Kent Lake and notified Huron-Clinton Metropark officials.
Park leaders posted signs around the lake to inform the public (see below). Then the mayor told Sheriff Brody to find this alligator before it drives away the tourists (wait, that’s Jaws…sorry)
Gator Hunt - Michigan Style
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources was at the lake investigating Thursday evening. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the Detroit Zoo were also there assisting.
“Alligators are not native to Michigan, so if this sighting is real, it is most likely the result of someone releasing a pet Alligator into the lake,” according to a statement from Huron-Clinton Metropark officials. They also saw Richard Dreyfuss with a bunch of barrels and an old boat ready to go out onto Kent Lake (sorry, Jaws again).
What If I See The Gator?
People visiting the park are urged to use caution and not approach an alligator if they see one (but by all means take multiple photos and crank out a couple of TikToks about it). Any sightings should be reported to Metroparks police at 810-227-8910. Do NOT attempt to trap it like this guy did (remember him?)
“We remind visitors that pets or wildlife of any kind should not be released and relocated to the Metroparks,” Huron-Clinton Metroparks said.
Gator Sign on Kent Lake
Over the years we've talked a lot about people keeping animals as pets - wasn't there a barber shop in Detroit where the guy had pet alligators? Can you legally buy one here in Michigan? I'm pretty sure our buddies at Premier Pets don't have an alligator aisle (we can ask). Now if you could dress it up like Wally Gator, then maybe.
What Do We Name It?
Here’s a couple of suggestions for a good name...let's be honest: Alligator In Michigan Lake is a kind of boring title right? Alligator In Michigan Lake sounds like a book report...we need a name for it - so here's three I can suggest:
- Motor City Muncher: "Meet the Motor City Muncher, folks! This gator's got an appetite as big as a Detroit assembly line and a taste for all things Michigan. Picture this guy cruising down Woodward Avenue, windows down, blasting Bob Seger, with a Coney Dog in one claw and a slice of Buddy’s pizza in the other. This gator knows how to roll in style!"
- Great Lake Gator: "Introducing the Great Lake Gator—majestic, mysterious, and as deep as the waters of Lake Michigan. Just like those iconic lakes, this gator's got layers, baby. One minute it's lounging by the shoreline, soaking up the sun, and the next, it's diving deep into the depths, exploring every nook and cranny. You never know where this gator's gonna pop up next, but one thing's for sure—it's always an adventure."
- Yooper Gator: "Say hello to the Yooper Gator, eh! This rugged, resourceful gator is straight outta the wilds of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and let me tell ya, it's got more tricks up its sleeve than a Yooper with a snowmobile and a cooler full of pasties. From hiking the rugged trails to cozying up by the campfire under the starry UP sky, this gator knows how to embrace the simple joys of Yooper life. Just watch out for those claws when it's time to divvy up the pasties, eh!"
