Update: No Alligator Found in Beavercreek Park
False Alarm? No Gator found at Dominick Lofino Park in Beavercreek after ODNR investigation concludes "no alligator in the pond".
Beavercreek breathes easy: No alligator found in city park
Beavercreek residents were relieved this morning after an investigation into a possible alligator sighting at Dominick Lofino Park concluded with no evidence of the reptile or any other exotic animal.
It all started over the weekend with a reported gator sighting that had the internet buzzing, and people flocking to the park, presumably for a chance to see the creature.
Beavercreek Police got the call after a teenager fishing at Dominick Lofino Park on Saturday caught sight of something in the pond and snapped a couple of pics.
"I cast my line out and saw it come up," the teen told local TV station Channel 7. "I zoomed in with my phone and saw there were scales".
"He sent me pictures," said Megan Stanley. "I said that looks like an alligator, get off the bank or wherever you’re at, and call the police".
The City of Beavercreek contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for assistance.
"Our team is working diligently to confirm the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available" read a post by the official City of Beavercreek social media page yesterday. "Although there is no immediate danger to the public, we ask residents to exercise caution around the pond as a precaution until further notice".
An update posted today, September 17 said that an ODNR officer monitored the park and pond yesterday, finding no signs of an alligator.
"After a thorough investigation following an alleged alligator sighting at Dominick Lofino Park, city officials and wildlife experts do not believe an alligator or any other exotic animal is present in the park's pond."
The post went on to state that no further sightings have been reported, despite a notable increase in park visitors.
Safety remains a priority. Park visitors are reminded to be cautious around water bodies and watch children and pets closely. If you see something unusual in a Beavercreek park, contact the Parks Division at (937) 427-5514 or parks@beavercreekohio.gov.
