Chicago has a new attraction: an alligator has made his home in the city's Humboldt Park Lagoon. The gator was apparently the outgrown pet of a resident who made the unwise decision to release it in the lagoon. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has already dubbed the situation as "Gator-gate." They have a local expert, Alligator Bob, setting traps, while the Chicago Park District set up fences to keep the alligator confined and onlookers away. The mood around the park's lagoon has even been festive, with residents seeking to view the gator and holding contests to name it. But word to the gator: Chicago winters are brutal, so better give yourself up.
(photo: Alligator Bob setting an alligator trap in the lagoon. Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)
