A misplaced alligator was found on the shores of Lake Michigan at the Grant Park beach in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The South Milwaukee Police Department posted on Facebook a picture of the small alligator.

After getting reports, the police contacted the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, which helped gather the reptile Monday afternoon and now has custody over it.

The police did not specify the origin of the alligator, but the going theory among authorities is that it was an abandoned pet.

The alligator is hundreds of miles away from the warmer climates it calls home, and winter weather is just starting to hit Wisconsin.

“You know, it’s cruel. This thing, there’s no way it would have survived more than a week given the Wisconsin winters we got coming,” Lt. Todd Vinoradsky told WISN-TV, adding that he thought the cold-blooded reptile was out in the elements for about one day.

Animal control officials agreed.

“My guess is someone had to move, and they couldn’t take it with them and they dumped it,” MADACC Community Engagement Coordinator Kate Hartland told WISN-TV.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.