Local authorities have warned that a nearly two-metre-long caiman alligator is on the loose near a body of water in the Walloon municipality of Oupeye on the outskirts of Liège, La Libre Belgique reports.
The amphibious predator was first spotted by a walker and his dog last month. Local authorities have since been searching for animals in the surroundings of the Gravière Brock lake and briefly closed the site to the public as a precaution.
Even after weeks of searches by exotic wildlife experts, no one was able to locate the caiman alligator. Teams from the nearby Hesbaye rescue zone were even brought to look for the caiman during the evening, when the animals are particularly active. Despite further searches from volunteers from Animal Rescue Team and wildlife specialist Christian Doppagne, the amphibian was not found anywhere in the vicinity.
Local mayor Serge Fillot has now taken the uneasy decision to reopen the body of water to the public. However, visitors to the sight may be alarmed to spot warning signs now surrounding the site, banning swimming and warning of the presence of “exotic species” in the area. The signposts don’t specifically mention a caiman alligator, but encourage visitors to phone 112 in case of a sighting.
While the search for the alligator has now been closed, local authorities still seem to believe the animal could be in the vicinity. The municipality has ordered that several trail cameras be erected in trees overlooking the site.
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As explained by Michael Robert, from the nearby Hesbaye rescue zone, the cameras are set off when an animal passes in front of them, allowing authorities to locate the alligator. The local rescue chief sergeant believes that, while seemingly implausible, the presence of a caiman alligator near Liège is possible.
“We have already found snakes abandoned in trash cans. More and more exotic animals are being purchased, but also abandoned,” Robert told La Libre. According to the rescue chief, exotic animals are often abandoned due to their rapid growth.
It is believed that the animal may have become frightened and hidden. Robert describes caimans as “very intelligent” with a “developed sense of smell” and an ability to hide themselves effectively.
