Oh, Chicago River Alligator, do you have some cajones. Far more exciting than any Vince Vaughn siting in town, the most recent alligator to call the North Branch of the Chicago River home took a victory lap yesterday with residents and photographers looking on. And Fox News is reporting that their cameras caught it taking a dip again this morning even as Animal Control folks are setting traps for it. The three-to-four foot gator, the second seen within the last three weeks, was first spotted Sunday afternoon. more ›

It may be the "dog days" of summer around these parts but along the North Branch of the Chicago River, everyone is talking about gators. For the second time in a month, a gator was spotted hanging out along the river near Belmont Ave. This gator, apparently a juvenile and three-to-five feet in length, was seen on the bank of the river by a family boating the river. Sararose Krenger said of the gator, "He was chilling there, there were ducks floating by...he was eyeing the ducks and moved his tail a little bit and decided not to go for it. The ducks were swimming closer, so we didn't know if they were just messing with him." On August 6, a smaller gator, described as "just a baby," was caught near the same location as Sunday's sighting. Unlike that first gator, the subject of yesterday's sighting managed to sneak away before animal control could get a hold of it. They'll be back at the river setting gator traps today. We, for one, welcome our new alligator overlords. more ›

As if we didn't have enough to worry about between coyotes and cougars, we can add alligators to the list of wildlife they may snatch us away while taking the dog for a walk. Yesterday afternoon, someone reported seeing an alligator at the Chicago River, near Damen and Fullerton, prompting a visit from Animal Care and Control. The gator, which was reported to be between two and four feet long, had already eased back into the river and escaped to its underwater lair to plot my demise by the time the official showed up. Of course, alligator sightings in the Chicago River are not exactly new, but this one is just another reason for us to skip the kayaking tour. more ›

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An alligator was found in the Chicago River near 37th Street this afternoon. A concerned citizen spotted the approximately 6-foot long alligator and contacted the police, who captured the animal. Holy shit. [S-T]
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