Alligator found in Long Lake, Wisconsin, possible owner comes forward

An alligator was recently found swimming in a lake – in Wisconsin.

On Wednesday, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, based in Menasha, Wisconsin, posted about the 18- to 24-inch American alligator on Facebook.

The tiny alligator was found at Long Lake in Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties, according to the Facebook post.

They typically live from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas, in and around freshwater rivers, swamps, marshes and lakes, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute website.

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue wrote on Facebook that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had temporarily brought the alligator to the shelter.

The animal rescue said it would keep the alligator for just one week before bringing it to a sanctuary.

In an email to Fox News Digital, John Moyles, director of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, said the alligator is doing well, resting comfortably, and enjoying meals of alligator pellets, insects, and even fish. a frozen mouse.

The possible owner of the alligator has also come forward, Moyles said.

“The individual said he had [the alligator] in an outdoor enclosure and her daughter accidentally left the cage open, allowing the alligator to escape“, said Moyles.

Moyles said after discussing options with the potential owner, the decision was made to bring the alligator to an accredited sanctuary.

“We have been working with Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens, Michigan, and have a plan in place to send the alligator there on Monday,” Moyles said.