Elusive Alligator Search Ends; NJ Authorities Think He's Moved On

MIDDLESEX BORO, NJ — On Thursday morning, Middlesex borough Police announced Fish & Wildlife workers from the state have left the area, and the exhaustive, around-the-clock search for the alligator has come to an end.

Police also said they suspect the alligator is no longer in the area, as it has not been observed in the past seven days. Victor Crowell Park is also reopen, however there is still no fishing or swimming allowed. Police said they will still keep an eye out for the alligator.

The four-foot-long alligator — which police think was a pet that someone no longer wanted — was last seen last Wednesday, Aug. 30, when it was again spotted in Ambrose Brooke and on the small island in the middle of the Duck Pond (Lake Creighton).

Middlesex Police said since then, Fish & Wildlife employees from the state have been combing the area with "drones, animal control officers in the water by means of kayak and waders, video surveillance and patrol officers monitoring."

"(We have not) positively identified the presence of the reptile in over seven days within the waterways in which it was previously observed," said the police department Thursday morning. "This likely indicates that the alligator is no longer in the area."

In the overnight hours of Aug. 26, a Middesex borough police officer shot at the alligator, and it ducked under the water. It is unknown if the bullet hit the gator.

“He did get a clear shot. He’s an expert marksman,” Middlesex Mayor John Madden told NJ.com this week of the officer who fired the gun. The officer has not been identified.

“We have to make sure that either the alligator has been deceased or captured,” the mayor said. "Some people are saying — if it’s dead, why isn’t the carcass coming up to the surface. It may at some point do that. It could’ve gotten entangled under the debris."

State workers are leaving the area as of Thursday, as Middesex Police said they would "like to thank the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Police, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife - Wildlife Services Section, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex Borough Department of Public Works, Middlesex Borough Office of Emergency Management, Middlesex Borough Fire Department, Somerset Regional Animal Control, and West Pest Enterprises of Middlesex for their partnerships in attempting to re-locate this non indigenous reptile."

"Anyone who observes the alligator should not approach or otherwise interact with it and immediately contact the Middlesex Borough Police Department by dialing 732-356-1900 or 911," said police.

The lakeside docks at Victor Crowell Park will remain closed; and the playground near Greene Avenue will remain closed.

"We have to mitigate any potential safety liability to our community," said Middlesex Police.

Police Shoot At Alligator Found In Middlesex Boro Pond (Aug. 28)