Can someone please explain to me why there was an alligator in Machesney Park?

Now, I’m no genius, but alligators are not native to the Midwest. Right?

I’m assuming this was someone’s pet that got out of it’s enclosure. Not surprisingly, no one has come forward to say it’s theirs.

Friendly reminder, alligators are not legal to have as a pet in the state of Illinois.

Yesterday around 4:30 p.m., Winnebago County Animal Services posted a photo of the gator which was caught.

Thankfully, the American Alligator has been relocated by a Chicago area reptile rescue and moved to a safe place.