From Wet Lagoon To Wrigley: Alligator Catcher's Chicago 'Tail'

CHICAGO, IL — Frank Robb, now famously known as the Florida alligator expert brought to Chicago over the weekend to catch the Humboldt Park alligator, won't be going back to the Sunshine State just yet thanks to the Chicago Cubs. Just hours after Robb caught the alligator — also known as Chance the Snapper — Tuesday morning, he threw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field before the Cubs went up against the Reds at Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs said. However, Robb's Windy City victory tour won't stop there.

The Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control (CACC) reported that on Wednesday morning, he’ll flip the switch on Buckingham Fountain.

As for Chance the Snapper, he was safety taken to CACC, where he will stay until he is taken to an alligator sanctuary.

During a Tuesday press conference at the park, Kelley Gandurski, the executive director of Chicago Animal Care and Control, said the alligator was located on the "northwest side of the lagoon near the island, hiding in the lily pads."

"He personally went through each and every trench, nook and cranny of this lagoon," Gandurski said. "This man is amazing."

During the press conference, Robb emphasized how important being quiet is to catch an alligator. However, Chance the Snapper isn't just any gator to Robb. It's the first one he's caught outside of Florida, he mentioned during the press conference.

When the lagoon and surrounding area were quiet and relaxed around 1:30 a.m., Robb saw the gator's "eye shine and caught him on the fishing rod." Robb said he caught the reptile by the base of its tail, adding that the hooks fall out and don't penetrate an alligator's skin.

Robb also praised those he's met while in Chicago, including members of law enforcement and park services, calling them "great people."

"I've never met a nicer group of people," Robb said.

The news of the Humboldt Park alligator's capture comes a week after Chicago police spokesman Anthony Gugliemi said that police had "independently confirmed" reports of an alligator in the Humboldt Park lagoon during an "unusual news day."

In a July 9 tweet, Gugliemi said, "The reptile will be humanely trapped tonight and relocated to a zoo for a veterinary evaluation." Six days later, the gator — who now has his or her own social media accounts— was still evading authorities.

Guglielmi confirmed to CNN Tuesday morning that the critter was captured overnight with the help of Robb, who was brought in Sunday.

Experts believe the gator, dubbed "Chance the Snapper," was most likely abandoned by its owner after becoming too big, ABC7 reported. It measures between four and five feet, reports say.

For rob, this experience is more than a rare capture in a Chicago park lagoon.

"Everybody's got a blessing," Robb said. "This is my blessing."

Thank you to alligator expert Frank Robb, who safely and humanely captured the Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator, for joining us tonight! pic.twitter.com/mXMFfKzdSU
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 16, 2019

See more on Patch:

• Gator Watch: 'Chance The Snapper' Closes Half Of Humboldt Park
• Chicago's Resident Gator Is On Social Media And It's Hilarious
• Patch Exclusive: Interview With Humboldt Park Gator
• Close Encounters During Gator Mating Season; Here's What To Do

The Humboldt Park alligator was humanely captured overnight and appeared at a press conference at the park this morning. He is now at Chicago Animal Care and Control where he will stay until he is transferred to an alligator sanctuary. #ChicagoGatorWatch2019 #NotJustCatsandDogs pic.twitter.com/HWNykBJVSQ
— Chicago Animal Care and Control (@ChicagoACC) July 16, 2019

Via Twitter, the gator — speaking via unofficial spokesman and local comedian Jon Torres — commented on his own capture, calling Chicago "my kind of town."