First Confirmed sightings of the 'Lakeland Gator' since South Lakes escape last week

A team filming for Lake District TV have spotted what is believed to be an alligator that was reported missing from the South Lakes area last week.

The animal known as ‘Salty’ is said to be around five foot long and ‘does not pose a credible threat to humans’. The footage was captured by drone above the river Brathay at the North end of Lake Windermere and posted on the LDTV Instagram.

The Lake District TV team, who are due to launch their first series in May - showcasing a whole host of local curiosities - made the shocking discovery while reviewing the footage once back home.

The shock was clear as they posted about it on their Instagram. The caption on their video read, ‘it was pretty crazy, the first thing you think is ‘‘it can’t be real, surely it must be a toy’’ ‘.

They immediately reported the sighting to the Animal Protection for Reptile Incidents Liaison and the zoo from which it is believed to have escaped last week - the Fish, Otters & Others Lakeland Zoo in the South Lakes.

The sightings have been welcomed by the zoo who had expected that the animal would not be able to ‘survive the local climate for more than a few hours’. It has however raised concerns among residents who are worried that this may encourage other large reptiles to make the area their home.

One Ambleside resident who wished only to be named as April said, ‘it’s only fools who think that this won’t be the start of a trend. Soon the Lakes’ waterways will resemble those of Florida’.

April snapped the beast while taking her border collie named Joker for a walk along the riverbank.

April is believed to be the first to have seen the prehistoric beast

A team is said to be on their way to collect the alligator and take it home for a big fish dinner.

Lake District TV is launching in May and you can be first to find out more by signing up here or following them on Instagram.