Alligator spotted swimming in Lake Erie, prompting search

An alligator captured on video swimming near Lake Erie last weekend has led to a search for the animal in Erie, Pennsylvania. 

Animal rescue crews have searched the area with reports of footprints and other sightings of the reptile in the area this week. 

Video of the alligator was captured by Christina Roach on August 4 and shared with the social news platform Storyful. 

Roach told Storyful she was visiting the beach with her family when a man pointed out the alligator in the water.

Officials are placing warning signs in the Lake Erie area and the Erie Port Authority is in discussions with an expert to capture the alligator, according to Erie News Now. 

The Source 

Information for this story was provided by the Associated Press, Storyful, and Erie News Now.  This story was reported from Washington, D.C.