An unlikely alligator has been caught on Belle Isle, an island in Detroit, Michigan.
The spotting of the gator stunned Detroiters when it was originally seen in late September on the island park. Steven Hart and Troy Keteyian, vigilante animal rescuers, caught the reptile Wednesday and then handed it over to an animal rehabilitation center afterwards.
A dog trainer who is also the owner of Spartan K9 Training, Hart told the Detroit Metro Times that he immediately made the choice to assist with the gator when he heard about the sighting. (RELATED: First Time ‘Elusive’ Great White Shark Caught On Video Off Rhode Island Coast)
After he caught a snapping turtle recently, Hart stated to the outlet that his confidence led him to wanting to get the gator. Hart also said that he’s an animal lover, and didn’t want the wrong person to get their hands on the dinosaur relative and hurt it.
Hart told the Detroit Metro Times that his search began Tuesday evening, but there was no success.
@metrotimesHamtramck resident Lynn Blasey couldn’t believe her eyes during a visit to Detroit’s Belle Isle on Sunday. While paddleboarding, she spotted an alligator sunbathing on the shore. See metrotimes.com for the full story. #Detroit #MetroDetroit #MetroDetroitNews #BelleIsle #Michigan #MichiganDNR #Alligator♬ original sound – Detroit Metro Times
He then spoke with two women, and one of them worked on Belle Isle. She told Hart approximately the spot of the last sighting, which was on the island’s east side.
The next morning at around 5:00 a.m. local time Wednesday, he went to the location where the alligator was last spotted. He happened to blow a tire while driving, but was so determined to catch the alligator that he proceeded with his mission.
“I just went in the water and walked the Blue Heron Lagoon for six hours until I found it,” said Hart to the Metro Times.
Then, as soon as the gator was cornered by Hart, Keteyian showed up and gave him some help. Using nets, the duo eventually caught the animal.
A small alligator with yellow stripes featured on its tail, it’s suspected that it’s a juvenile American alligator, which is native to the U.S. South where it’s much warmer.
After the catch, Hart and Keteyian transported the alligator to a Westland-based reptile shelter, Great Lakes Serpentarium.