
May 25, 2023 – There was a gator in Decatur! Or maybe it’s a Caiman? Either way, Animal Control was called in to capture the reptile Wednesday.
According to Sgt. Ron Atkins, animal control wardens were called to a yard in the 900 block of East Cantrell after someone spotted a loose gator. The animal was captured safely and did not appear to have any injuries or abnormalities.
The reptile was reported to be about 3 and a half feet long and Atkins said it was unclear if the reptile is an alligator or a caiman. Caimans typically have rougher scales on their belly and on their back. There are also more scales on a caiman’s head. Alligators have rounder teeth and are bigger than caimans. Most caimans only grow to four to five feet long. Both species are not native to our area.
Since alligators and caimans do not fall under the purview of Animal Control, the animal will be taken in by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).