BONNE TERRE, Mo. — Bonne Terre Lake has a new resident, and the community's police department is warning residents to stay away.
An alligator was recently reported in the lake by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who warned the Bonne Terre Municipal Police Department about it. The alligator is believed to be 20 inches in length and not aggressive.
"If [the alligator is] sighted, please do not approach or attempt to capture it," a press release from the Bonne Terre Municipal Police Department said. "For non-emergency reporting, call 573-431-3131 & report it to the St. Francois County Joint Communications."
The Missouri Department of Conservation has received no alligator sighting reports in the area, a spokesperson told 5 On Your Side. They said the animal is likely a released or escaped pet.
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