Alligator captured, fears lifted at Lake Lanier

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - As we head into Labor Day weekend, lake goers will find comfort in knowing that an alligator recently spotted in Lake Lanier has been captured.

Southeastern Reptile Rescue caught the gator around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday near Don Carter State Park, located on the Chattahoochee River portion of Lake Lanier.

“The alligator is about 3-feet long,” said Southeastern Reptile Rescue’s Jason Clark, who is a licensed alligator agent contracted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Clark said they were able to find the alligator by following a map provided by the GA DNR.

“We worked slowly to get close enough, so I could hook the gator and pull it into the boat,” Clark said.

Clark told FOX 5 the small alligator had been illegally dumped at the lake.

“It’s too small to have made it to the lake from its natural range on its own,” he said.

Clark said the gator wasn’t really a threat to lake goers due to its size; however, the thought of an alligator swimming in Lake Lanier was nerve-racking.

“If you’re coming to Lake Lanier for Labor Day weekend, the lake is now safe,” Clark said.

The alligator will remain in captivity at Southeastern Reptile Rescue, joining other gators that are used for education.

Photos and video courtesy of Southeastern Reptile Rescue