Alligator Rescued at Belle Isle Park Raises Concerns

News Summary

An alligator was spotted sunbathing at Belle Isle Park, causing concern among locals. The creature, found by a visitor, was rescued and is now under investigation by the DNR. Officials emphasize the need for responsible pet ownership to prevent exotic species from impacting local ecosystems.

Belle Isle, Michigan – An alligator was spotted and eventually rescued at Belle Isle Park after public reports of its sighting on September 26, 2024. The alligator, measuring between 2 to 3 feet long, was found sunbathing at Blue Heron Lagoon during a warm day when temperatures reached 80 degrees. The sighting prompted concern among local residents and officials regarding the presence of a non-native species in the area.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the authenticity of the photographic evidence submitted by Lynn Blasey, who discovered the creature. The DNR has stated they would coordinate an assessment of the area to better understand the situation. They advised visitors to the park to refrain from approaching any wildlife, including the alligator, as wild animals can pose dangers to humans.

This sighting followed a previous report by Jennifer Schwartz, a social worker, who claimed to have seen a 6-foot alligator crossing U.S.-23 near Whitmore Lake in February 2024. Schwartz’s account was met with skepticism at the time, leading many to dismiss her claims. However, the recent discovery by Blasey has prompted further investigation into how an alligator came to be in a state park, raising questions about possible release by pet owners.

Blasey expressed her concerns about the alligator’s background, noting that it likely spent much of its life in captivity. This situation could result in significant distress for the alligator now that it is exposed to the wild conditions of the park. The DNR is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the alligator’s presence in Belle Isle. Officials emphasized that releasing non-native species like alligators is prohibited due to the potential risks they pose to local ecosystems and public safety.

Following the confirmation of the alligator’s presence, the DNR also reported that no credible evidence was found regarding an additional claim about a boa constrictor reported at the same park. The agency remains vigilant about unusual wildlife activity and encourages park visitors to report any sighting through the Report All Poaching hotline at (800) 292-7800.

The alligator was ultimately captured on October 31, 2025, by wildlife trackers Steven Hart and Troy Keteyian, who described their encounter as “divine timing.” They met while tracking the alligator near the shoreline and successfully secured the animal. Since its capture, the alligator has been relocated to the Great Lakes Serpentarium in Westland, ensuring it can now receive proper care and monitoring in a suitable environment.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the effects of releasing exotic pets into the wild and the responsibilities of pet owners. As non-native species can adversely affect local wildlife and habitats, the DNR continues to monitor and educate the public on the importance of responsible pet ownership and awareness of local regulations.

As the investigation into the origins of the alligator continues, Belle Isle Park remains under scrutiny for any additional wildlife sightings, with officials keen to maintain the safety of park visitors and the integrity of the local ecosystem.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit News: Alligator on Belle Isle
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• Fox 2 Detroit: Alligator Found on Belle Isle
• Google Scholar: Alligator Belle Isle
• UPI: Detroit Belle Isle Alligator
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alligator
• MLive: Alligator Spotted at Belle Isle Park
• Google News: Alligator Belle Isle
• CBS News: Alligator Report Belle Isle