"Alligator" seen in Brampton pond turns out to be a beaver

An animal that was first thought to be an “alligator” hanging out in a Brampton pond ultimately turned out to be a beaver, according to Peel Regional Police.

The investigation into what the creature was began on Friday at 8:30 pm, when police were called to Brampton Damatta Park, for reports from the public of “a large animal, possibly an alligator, swimming in a drainage pond within the park,” the department said in a release.

Officers attended the area, and animal control officers were called in to assist as well.

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Police said video of the animal in question also surfaced on social media.

“This video was viewed by members of Brampton Animal Service and the animal was determined to be a beaver and not an alligator,” police said.

And while the actual animal turned out to be much less threatening, it was still enough for the internet – including the police department itself – to chime in with their thoughts.

ANIMAL COMPLAINT
– Area of Creditview Rd/James Potter Rd in #Brampton
– Reports of alligator in storm drainage pond
– Officers on scene searching for 5-6 foot alligator
– I always thought they only had 4 feet…
– Officers are ready to provide Gator-aid
– PR20-0143233🐊

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) May 2, 2020

Hey @PeelPolice I'm still here but you have an innocent beaver in custody #FreeTheBeaver pic.twitter.com/sIdP4i4mlJ

— Brampton Alligator (@BramptonAlliga1) May 2, 2020

when someone mistook you for an alligator in brampton but you’re just a beaver pic.twitter.com/ZiRiX0MvXC

— 𝑎𝑧 (@ar_zimraphel) May 2, 2020

Oh look I found another #Brampton alligator while cycling on the Esker Lake trail. pic.twitter.com/HEb7UnhmYq

— 鋼の技術者 (@FullMetalEnginr) May 2, 2020

Y’all need to arrest whoever is playing Jumanji in Brampton. Enough already… pic.twitter.com/2TRdaRNDWp

— (iBrown) ® ن 🇨🇦 (This Quarantine Sucks) (@doubleobrown) May 2, 2020

if there’s an alligator in brampton there has to be a unicorn in this world

— ਸਪਨਾ (@SapnaSahotaa) May 2, 2020

alligators are back on brampton streets. nature is healing. humans are the virus https://t.co/wSw6o5xGCI

— Greeva (@greevabhalla) May 2, 2020