On Friday, March 14th, 2025, the Cheboygan Police Department responded to an unusual situation at the Pine River Motel in Cheboygan, Michigan.
Housekeeping staff discovered a live alligator, later identified as Wally, while cleaning a room after a guest had checked out. The alligator, approximately 3 feet long, was found under a bed, surprising the motel workers who were accustomed to finding more typical items like iPads or earrings, but never a reptile of this kind.
The police investigation revealed that Wally belonged to an exotic animal handler who had been in town to conduct educational presentations for elementary school children at schools like East Elementary and Bishop Baraga. The owner had several exotic animals with him for these assemblies and had realized Wally was missing but was unsure when or where the alligator had escaped. After being contacted by the police, the owner, who had already left for Detroit, agreed to return to Cheboygan to retrieve his pet.
The motel staff allowed Wally to remain in the room until his owner arrived and officers facilitated the reunion on Friday night. Described as a “real friendly gator” by the motel manager, Gary, Wally posed no immediate danger, even allowing police officers to hold him. No charges have been reported at this time. The incident has since gained attention as a peculiar and unexpected event in this northern Michigan town, located about 280 miles northwest of Detroit.
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