Be careful around the Chattahoochee River

Article

Alligator Spotted in Metro Atlanta River

Last Edited: Tuesday, 12 Jun 2007, 9:34 PM EDT
Created: Tuesday, 12 Jun 2007, 1:58 PM EDT

Alligator in River
ATLANTA (AP) -- Metro Atlanta got a rare visitor Tuesday, at least one alligator hanging out in the Chattahoochee River.

Wildlife officials say the gator was spotted near an overpass of I-285, the interstate that circles Atlanta.

Bill Reynolds of the National Park Service said it's unusual for an alligator to show up because Atlanta is too cold for them to survive year-round.

The state Department of Natural Resources is helping capture the gator, which was estimated at six to eight feet, and a smaller one whose sighting hadn't been confirmed.
Video:Alligator Spotted in Metro Atlanta River - FOX 5's Portia Bruner reports.

Officials hope to determine how the gators got there and whether someone had dumped them.

The alligators were sighted around Powers Island, a popular trail and canoe launch area within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area