Alligator Seen Near New York May Be Swimming To Empire State

A massive alligator was shockingly spotted dangerously close to swimmers near New York.

Lake Erie is the fourth-biggest lake in North America.

Lake Erie In New York State

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New York's Great Lakes lands and waters, include Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River, according to the New York State DEC.

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Lake Erie is home to one of the world's largest freshwater commercial fisheries

New Yorkers can also swim in Lake Erie

New Yorkers Enjoy Swimming In Lake Erie

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Lake Erie Beach Park on Old Lake Shore Road in Angola, New York borders Lake Erie. The park is open to the public year-round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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The park also has a beach with a designated swim area.

Alligator Spotted In Lake Erie

On Sunday a 4 to 6-foot-long alligator was spotted by visitors swimming in Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. Officials believe this alligator can grow to up to 11 feet.

GoErie.Com

Video shows the gator about 20 yards from shore watching peacefully as "panicked swimmers" fled the water, according to the New York Post.

The alligator eventually left the area without incident. But what's more terrifying for anyone reading this is the fact that the gator has been on the loose all week.

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Wildlife officials have been searching for days.

What's concerning for New Yorkers is the fact that Lake Erie extends from Pennsylvania into New York State.

“Our concern is making sure that the public is safe,” Port Authority’s Executive Director Julie Slomski said to Go Erie. “Hopefully, this alligator is safe wherever it may be.”

How Did Alligator End Up In Lake?

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Officials believe the alligator was an exotic pet that someone released into the lake because they couldn't care for it anymore.

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Have you ever encountered a fish like this?

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Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

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