Alligator Seen in Crockery Lake? Ottawa County, Michigan

Alligators hunting for food in one of our Michigan lakes? It has been reported that a ‘gator was seen in Crockery Lake in Ottawa County.

On Sunday, August 4th of this year (2024), one of the reptiles were seen in the water near Grose Park, probably near the banks of the children’s playground. Two witnesses described the length differently: one said four feet long, the other claimed it was six feet in length.

Crockery Lake is a 100-acre body of water, and a search by the DNR and Sheriff’s Office had a tough time trying to find the alligator. Seeing as though the lake is a relatively small one, they didn’t think it would take too long to find the ‘gator - but after five hours, there was still no sign and they quit for the day.

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Gerald Thayer, a lieutenant for the DNR Law Enforcement Division exclaimed “It wouldn’t be the first time - alligators show up here and there.....It does happen. It wouldn’t surprise me.”

Okay, but why? Why would a reptile whose habitat is warm, hot, swampy areas make its way into a chilly Michigan lake in the western part in the middle of the Mitten? Tourists and vacationers buy little baby alligators and raise them in places like a junked-out bathtub. Once they get too big, they are set free into a Michigan lake, pond, stream...where they can grow and snatch prey as they hide camouflaged along the banks. Did any of these ‘gator owners ever consider taking their pet to a zoo? It would make more sense and less dangerous for swimmers, correct?

Thayer went on to say that an alligator up to three feet long shouldn’t be a concern.
Oh, no?
It could still rip yer arm off and eat your cat or small dog. If one is six feet long, he says, then you should be concerned.

If you see a ‘gator in the water don’t attempt to pet or grab. By springtime after the winter thaw they will probably be dead or gone...they can’t survive Michigan winters.

Our waters do have other monsters that could be mistaken for an alligator, like those giant soft-shell turtles or giant snappers. I’ve been chased in the water by a giant snapper, whose giant shell stuck out of the water, appearing the way a ‘gator would.

So, in closing, even though there was no proof of an alligator in Crockery Lake, the DNR says that yes, ‘gators do indeed make their way into Michigan inland lakes. Do what you need to do to protect yourself if you suspect some creature that may seem out of the ordinary – and always have your camera or phone ready to snap...

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