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MILFORD — An alligator may still be loose in a Kensington Metropark lake, despite a massive search effort.
After an initial reported sighting of an alligator in Kent Lake on Thursday, a hunt for the reptile began that involved Metroparks police, as well as the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Oakland County Animal Control, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Detroit Zoological Society.
Metroparks communications specialist Danielle Mauter said the search continued until shortly after midnight, with drones, ATVs, boats, and a helicopter all in use, and she thanked all responders for their extensive efforts.
“Despite everyone’s best efforts and genuine collaborative spirit, we were unable to spot or locate the alligator,” Mauter said in a statement just before 10:30 a.m. Friday. “There have been questions about size, which we can not confirm from the one reported sighting. At this time, we will be keeping our eyes open and seeing if the possible alligator makes another appearance, and we will leave the warning signs in place for the public’s assistance with any sightings as well.”
She added that all areas of the park remain open. The sighting occurred in an area of the lake not open to swimming, and also an area that is “lesser used” for boating.
The signs at the park warn, “Be Aware. Possible alligator sighting in Kent Lake,” and advise visitors that if people see an alligator, to call the Metroparks Police at 810-227-8910.
Mauter noted that “if this sighting is real, it is most likely the result of someone releasing a pet alligator into the lake,” since alligators aren’t native to Michigan.
“We ask visitors to use caution and not approach the animal if it is spotted, and to instead call the Metroparks Police at the number posted on signs right away,” she said, adding, “We remind visitors that pets or wildlife of any kind should not be released and relocated to the Metroparks.”
If an alligator is indeed on the loose in Milford, it won’t be the first time.
In July 2019, a 4-foot alligator named Puff escaped from the Milford Township home where he had lived with his owner for eight years. Puff, who broke his tether in the front yard and went for a stroll down Commerce Roadwas recaptured by neighbors and police before he made it to a drainage ditch. A little more than a year later, he found a new home at the zoo.
Milford has also been home to Darwin, an emu who escaped during a COVID-19 stay-at-home order, but was safely returned.
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com or 517-281-2412.
