Traps catch turtles but no gator

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., July 22 (UPI) -- A trap set to snare an alligator spotted in a Framingham, Mass., lake has snared two snapping turtles, but its intended target remains elusive, officials said.

Deputy Police Chief Craig Davis said the trap was set in Lake Waushakum by Framingham Animal Control after at least two people recently reported seeing a 5- to 6-foot alligator in the lake, the MetroWest Daily News of Framingham reported Tuesday.

Davis said James Boudreau, 15, reported seeing the alligator on two occasions last week, once while he was accompanied by his 5-year-old brother, who also spotted the reptile. He said police searched the area using flashlights to attempt to catch reflections from the reptile's eyes, but they were unable to find any traces of the creature.

However, the animal control trap has snagged two snapping turtles, Davis said.

"No alligators," he said. "We're still searching for Loch Ness."

The lake's Waushakum Beach was reopened Monday and visitors were given flyers to explain the situation with the gator and everything authorities have been doing to attempt to catch the elusive beast.