Chicago Tribune-Alligator Captured In Chicago River

Alligator captures in Chicago River: Alex Garcia/Chicago Tribune

(Story reported by Alejandra Cancino and Carlos Sadovi for the Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago River alligator was captured late this morning under the Belmont Avenue bridge.

The creature whose presence has captivated the city was spotted basking in the sun about 11:30 a.m. by camera crews from WGN-Ch. 9 and WTTW-Ch. 11. They waved over the alligator wrangler who goes only by the name of Bob, who was floating nearby in his canoe.

Bob paddled over, extended a net into the water and, with a swoop, caught the alligator. He then put it in a white cotton sack.

Onlookers on the shore applauded.

Bob later said the alligator will be kept for 60 to 90 days at an "undisclosed place, for the animal's safety." 

The alligator wrangler added that the animal's recent ordeals have been stressful for it.

"I'm excited because of the fact that this is an animal that would have died otherwise," he said.

Officials at the Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control confirmed the capture.

(Click here to read the full story on the Chicago Tribune website)