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Chattahoochee River National Recreation AreaReflections in the river at Abbotts Bridge - Photo by Matt Harr
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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Alligator Spotted in Chattahoochee River

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Date: June 14, 2007

ATLANTA (AP) -- Metro Atlanta got a rare visitor Tuesday, at least one alligator hanging out in the Chattahoochee River.

Wildlife officials say the gator was spotted near an overpass of I-285, the interstate that circles Atlanta.

Steve Reynolds of the National Park Service said it's unusual for an alligator to show up because Atlanta is too cold for them to survive year-round.

The state Department of Natural Resources is helping capture the gator, which was estimated at six to eight feet, and a smaller one whose sighting hadn't been confirmed.

Officials hope to determine how the gators got there and whether someone had dumped them.

The alligators were sighted around Powers Island, a popular trail and canoe launch area within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. 
Great Blue Heron hunting for food - Photo by Tom Wilson  

Did You Know?
Great Blue Herons stand up to four feet tall and have special feathers that dissolve into powder. They use a serrated middle claw to distribute the powder which they use for preening or cleaning themselves.

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Last Updated: July 03, 2007 at 09:12 EST