Creature Chaos in Chicago Pond! Officials Reveal Mysterious Beast Captured on Cam Is…
Visitors to Lincoln Park were stunned by a mysterious creature in the pond – was it an alligator or something even wilder? š¢ #News #Chicago #AnimalControl
Alligator or Something Else?
CHICAGO, IL – A strange creature has emerged from Lincoln Parkās North Pond, stirring up wild speculation and drawing curious visitors. Rumors are flying that it might be an alligator, causing a frenzy in Chicago.
Folks in the Windy City love a good mystery, and this one has all the makings of a thriller. People have been buzzing with excitement, hoping for a sequel to “Chance the Snapper,” the alligator that made headlines in 2019. But officials are raining on the parade, saying it’s just a “surfing turtle.”
A Sight to See
The public information officer with Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC), Armando Tejeda, was on high alert.
Tejeda and his team hit the ground running after receiving several reports about a potential alligator sighting. They scoured the pond, looking for any signs of the creature.
A Surprising Discovery
Photos provided to Tejeda seemed to show a snout and a long body, leading many to believe an alligator was on the loose. But after consulting with the Chicago Herpetological Society, the mystery was solved.
The so-called alligator turned out to be a large turtle clinging to a log, creating an illusion of something more menacing.
Turtle Fun in the Sun
Tejeda described the scene as a big turtle “surfing” in the water, swimming around and popping up and down, much to the amusement of onlookers.
The pond is a haven for wildlife, including fish, ducks, and other turtles, so it was no surprise to see such playful activity.
Learning Experience
For the CACC team, this was a chance to educate and entertain.
New officers got a firsthand lesson in wildlife identification, while visitors enjoyed the unexpected show. A video shared by the Lincoln Park Conservancy confirmed the turtle’s antics, putting minds at ease.
Remembering “Chance the Snapper”
This month marks the fifth anniversary of “Chance the Snapper’s” relocation to Florida after being found in the Humboldt Park Lagoon.
Tejeda recalled seeing about four or five alligators in his decade with CACC, often due to pet owners releasing them when they grow too large.
Ongoing Vigilance
Despite the turtle revelation, Tejeda and his team will continue to monitor North Pond. While this incident turned out to be a false alarm, CACC remains prepared for any future wildlife surprises.
Stay tuned to JackAndKitty.com for more updates and keep your eyes on the water. You never know what might pop up next!
Hi. I just read your article about the “surfing turtle”. I was amused and was wondering why you did not show the “video”? It would have been so cute to see it.
Hi Maryann, Thanks for reading and commenting. Unfortunately because of licensing issues we couldn’t share it. But, yes, we agree: “surfing turtle” does sound pretty adorable! Hope you’re having a great weekend! – Jack and Kitty