VisitErie says lake is safe after alligator sighting

The search is on for a small alligator seen last weekend swimming just off the shore of Lake Erie.

There have been reports of other sightings this week.

It's unclear how the reptile ended up in the lake, but officials suspect it may have been a pet.

Releasing a nonnative species like an alligator is against the law in Pennsylvania.

The town’s tourism board VisitErie says that even with the reports of an alligator sighting , “the beaches at Presque Isle State Park remain open and safe for everyone to enjoy.”

VisitErie says the viral video that appeared on social media is near East Avenue which is on the eastern side of the city and “is not near or adjacent to Presque Isle’s beaches.”

They say signage has been adding to warn people about the potential alligator and say that no other evidence has shown an alligator in the area.

“Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park and its miles of sandy, guarded beaches. With a beautiful weekend forecast ahead, the beaches remain as inviting as ever, making it the perfect time to explore all that Erie has to offer,” Visit Erie said in a release.