Hamtramck resident Lynn Blasey couldn’t believe her eyes during a visit to Detroit’s Belle Isle on Sunday.
Sunbathing on the shore was none other than an alligator.
“I made a new friend while paddleboarding today,” she wrote on Facebook.
Blasey tells Metro Times that in reality, she was afraid of the creature, which is not native to Michigan.
“I was internally freaking out,” she says, adding, “I was on my inflatable paddleboard and even though the gator was small, I realized I was vulnerable.”
Blasey says she told a Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer about the sighting, who said they were aware of the gator and have been trying to capture it.
In a statement to Metro Times, DNR confirmed the “credible” alligator sighting and warned parkgoers not to approach the creature:
Belle Isle Park staff responded last Friday to a report of a possible alligator sighting. While no visual confirmation has been made by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) personnel, a photo with geo-location data was obtained. The report is considered credible and consistent.
Out of an abundance of caution, the DNR is coordinating to assess the area and determine appropriate next steps.
We remind all visitors: do not approach any wild animal, regardless of size. Though the reported animal appears small, all wildlife can be dangerous and unpredictable. If you observe unusual wildlife activity, please report it immediately to the Report All Poaching hotline at (800) 292-7800.
Additionally, we are aware of social media rumors regarding a boa constrictor sighting. There is no evidence to support this claim, and no such report has been received or verified by park staff or DNR personnel.
As a reminder, releasing wild animals or pets into State Parks is prohibited and harmful — to the animal, the ecosystem, and public safety. Non-native species can disrupt local habitats and pose risks to visitors and wildlife alike.
We appreciate the public’s vigilance and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.