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August 29 (UPI) — The New Jersey police have taken the precautionary measure of closing a public park for 72 hours as they search for an alligator that has been confirmed to be roaming the area.
According to the Middlesex Borough Police Department, the first report of an alligator at Victor Crowell Park came in on Wednesday, and subsequent sightings were reported in the days after.
On Saturday, officers managed to locate the alligator, and one officer attempted to neutralize it by firing a weapon, although it is unclear if the shot hit the target.
Residents of the area sighted the alligator again on Monday morning, prompting local police to resume their search with the assistance of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Conservation Police.
Drones were deployed in the search around Lake Creigton and Ambrose Brook, but one of them became entangled in a tree.
“In order to ensure the safety of our community, Victor Crowell Park will be closed to the public for a minimum of 72 hours, or until deemed safe from the alligator,” Middlesex Police Chief Matthew Geist announced on the department’s Facebook page.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is urging anyone who spots the roughly 3 to 4 feet long alligator to contact Fish and Wildlife officials so that they can set up a humane trap.
It is important to note that keeping alligators as pets is illegal in New Jersey.
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