Update: Alligator Found at Sisson Pond

Portsmouth police have located the alligator, which was first spotted by a bird watcher on Saturday at Sisson Pond. 

"We have confirmed it is down there," said Lt. Brian Peters of the Portsmouth Police Department.

Peters, along with another Portsmouth police detective and investigators from the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM), located the alligator at the southern end of the pond near the Portsmouth town line Monday morning.

"The alligator was swimming the entire time we were there," Peters said. "DEM is currently working on a method for how to remove the alligator."

The cold-blooded reptile is smaller than originally reported.

Witnesses first stated the alligator was about four to five feet in length. Officers have now confirmed the created to be approximately three-feet long.

Residents are asked to be cautious and aware of the reptile's presence in the area.

Police originally asked residents to stay away from the pond. However, authorities now say the alligator is considered less of a threat due to its size.

A DEM officer said the alligator was probably somebody's pet and was released into the pond.

The alligator was first spotted by a 76-year-old visitor to the area on Saturday afternoon. 

Officers were informed about the sighting on Monday, when an animal control officer (ACO) checked their voicemail early that morning. The man had left a recording, stating he has seen the reptile.

Sisson Pond, which serves as a reservoir for the local drinking water system, is located off Union Street and Jepson Lane.