Resident Spots Gator In Lake Glenview

GLENVIEW, IL — Nick Vitogiannes knows a thing or two about alligators. The Mount Prospect resident has seen them up close at his brother-in-law's residence in South Carolina. While fishing alone on Lake Glenview Tuesday, he believes he saw one.

"He popped up for five seconds. I got scared and yelled," Vitogiannes told Patch. "He then went back underwater and continued going into the large lake."

Vitogiannes said he saw the alligator when it swam under the bridge that leads into the main lake, about 20 feet from himself and the shoreline.

Not knowing what to do, and after relaying the news to a groundskeeper, he opted to also call the Glenview Police Department. Police sent out the public service officer, who handles animal control, to the lake.

The Village of Glenview owns and maintains Lake Glenview. The Glenview Park District told Patch the officer responded to the area and did not find any evidence of an alligator. The park district said it will continue to monitor the area.

The sighting comes nearly a year after multiple sightings and the eventual capture of an alligator from a lagoon in Chicago's Humboldt Park that drew national attention. The city of Chicago's efforts to wrangle the alligator, who came to be affectionately known as Chance the Snapper, cost more than $33,600.

Post-Capture Interview With Chicago's Gator, Chance The Snapper

Vitogiannes believes what he saw and is advising residents to be careful.

"I am very worried for the people that go to the lake for fishing, walking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, running," Vitogiannes said. "He is still out there and it is not safe."

Second Humboldt Park Gator Likely A Hoax: Chicago Police

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