(WWJ) Authorities in Michigan's Thumb region are hoping to locate the owner of an alligator found in a pond.
Sgt. Jordan Wade and Deputy William Webster of the Tuscola County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene in the Shay Lake area, east of Frankenmuth, at around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
The alligator is approximately 3 feet in length, according to the sheriff's office, which posted photos of the recovered reptile.
"Conservation Officer Rhodea arrived to assist in removing the alligator. The alligator was caught, removed from the pond, and will be turned over to a facility that can properly care for the animal," the sheriff's office said.
Several people responding to the story on social media said this was not the first gator that wound up at large in same area.
Elizabeth Mead-Seifferlein wrote: "Somebody around there is raising reptiles, then letting them loose. This is at least the third time I’ve heard of this in Shay Lake."
Others expressed their gratitude to officials for rescuing the gator, suggesting that it would likely not have survived a Michigan winter.
The investigation continues in an effort to locate the animal's owner.
