Florida man captures out-of-place gator in Chicago lagoon

Police say an expert from Florida has captured an elusive alligator in a Chicago public lagoon.

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says the Humboldt Park gator was caught humanely early Tuesday and is in good health.

The reptile, nicknamed “Chance the Snapper,” was first spotted last week and photos soon started showing up online. Investigators don’t know why the animal, which is at least 1.2 metres long, was on the loose in Chicago.

WATCH: Alligator caught in Chicago park lagoon named ‘Chance the Snapper’

1:33 Alligator caught in Chicago park lagoon named ‘Chance the Snapper’

Frank Robb of St. Augustine, Florida, arrived Sunday and assessed the park and lagoon. Sections of the park were closed to the public Monday on Robb’s recommendation, to reduce the noise and kerfuffle that could keep the animal in hiding.

Guglielmi says details about the alligator and its capture will be released later Tuesday.

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WATCH: Chicago police investigate out-of-place gator

0:35 Chicago police say no confirmation of alligator in park after calls of possible sighting