Signs alerting visitors to Pine Lake in Wheaton to steer clear of "sleeping" alligators have been removed. The signs were posted earlier this week and claimed alligators in a state of brumation, similar to hibernation, lay motionless just below the water’s surface.
Apparently it was a hoax.
Social media posts sharing an article that has since been removed from The Patch were met with a mix of derision and good humor. The article cited a source claiming the signs came after a dog was eaten by a Pine Lake alligator.
Find out what's happening in Silver Springfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Facebook users in Silver Spring blamed the hoax on Montgomery County's beloved, mischievous and easily forgiven satire and humor website.
However, a spokesperson for The Takoma Torch denied any involvement. "Multiple intergenerational alligator families share a single pond. That would never fly here," they said.
