Traps Now Set For Middlesex Alligator, Last Seen Tuesday Night

MIDDLESEX, NJ — The Middlesex borough alligator was most recently spotted after midnight Tuesday night, and traps have now been set for the reptile.

"In the overnight hours of Wednesday, August 30, the reptile was observed by police officers near the small island in the waters of Lake Creighton, commonly known as the Duck Pond," said Middlesex Police Wednesday afternoon. "Prior to this sighting, the last confirmed observation was on Saturday, August 26."

Fish & Wildlife conservation police officers have now been deployed, and set up a 24-hour observation of the Duck Pond and Ambrose Brook.

Drones and boats are also being used.

On Wednesday morning, a trap was set on the Duck Pond near where it was last seen. Fish & Wildlife also set several traps on the island.

The alligator is estimated to be about four feet long and has now been seen multiple times in the Victor Crowell Park duck pond and in Ambrose Creek, which flows into that lake. Victor Crowell Park remains closed because so many people have gathered there looking for the gator.

Alligator survived police officer shooting at it

On Saturday night, a Middlesex police officer shot his gun at the alligator when he spotted it, but it is not known if the bullet hit the gator, as the animal ducked under the water immediately after the officer fired his service weapon.

Middlesex Police stressed the alligator is dangerous and that's why the officer shot at it:

"This (is a) potentially dangerous species of non-indigenous reptile, which is capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries," said police, adding that it poses "a significant risk to public safety."

"Our paramount concern remains the safety of our community in the surrounding park and brook area," said police. "Anyone who observes the alligator is urged to stay away from it and contact the Middlesex Borough Police Department by dialing 732-356-1900 or 911. Or call NJ Fish & Wildlife at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337)."

Middlesex Police Chief Matthew Geist said he thinks the gator was a pet someone no longer wanted and discarded in the creek.

It was local landscaper Mario Fincher, who owns On Time Landscaping, who first saw the alligator last Wednesday, while he was working in a client's backyard in the area of Melrose Avenue.

Ambrose Creek runs through that backyard, and that's where he saw it swimming.

"When I first saw it, of course I couldn't believe my eyes," Fincher said. "We saw each other at the same time and she swam close to me. Blew my mind. It was just watching me for a while so I got back to work."

Here is video Fincher took when he first saw the alligator:

Police Shoot At Alligator Found In Middlesex Boro Pond