Alligator found in local waterway

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - An alligator has been found in the waters of the Charles River in Needham.

The 4-foot animal is an American alligator. It was found in 3-4 feet of water in the Charles River on the Dedham/Needham line.

The sightings began last weekend, and changed from reported to confirmed after a photographer captured the beast on camera.

The alligator was once an illegal pet and was carelessly released into the water.

State environmental police found it Friday morning.

The alligator surfaced every half hour, but was not a threat to humans because of the surplus of fish and small turtles in the water.