Residents of a Michigan apartment building were surprised to find an unexpected visitor outside on Tuesday morning – a wandering alligator! The bizarre, yet somewhat impressive sight, was caught on camera as the reptile basked under the morning sun.
According to eyewitness reports, the roughly five-foot-long alligator seemed to be content lounging in the grassy area just outside of the building. While many folks were quick to call wildlife authorities, one resident had a much more “laid back” approach to the situation.
“I mean, he’s just chillin’ out, man,” said Zach, a tenant at the complex. “Who are we to say where an alligator can and cannot be? Who knows, maybe he’s just visiting his relatives?”
While it is unclear how the gator managed to end up in Michigan, authorities are taking the situation seriously and urge residents to refrain from approaching the animal.
“In cases like this, we urge folks to stay away from the animal and contact the proper authorities,” Michigan wildlife officer, Sarah Jacobs said. “Alligators can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Leave it to the professionals.”
It is unclear whether or not the gator belonged to someone in the area, though at this time, it is assumed the animal is wild.
As for residents of the apartment, many are taking the situation in stride, jokingly welcoming the alligator as a new resident.
“We’ve got a new addition to the building, folks!” shouted one resident from their balcony. “Looks like somebody needs to bring him some waffles.”
Despite the light-hearted nature of the situation, officers are working diligently to ensure the safety of the community. With the help of local authorities, the alligator was eventually captured and transported to a more fitting environment.
While it certainly isn’t every day that a wandering alligator takes up residency in Michigan, the situation serves as a reminder that sometimes, the unexpected can happen.
For now, residents of the apartment building can go back to their daily routines, knowing that they’ve had a chance encounter with one of nature’s most interesting creatures. And hey, who knows, maybe the gator will make a return visit someday? After all, every building could use a good guard alligator!
