UPDATE – Alligator “PATUXSEY” likely the creature Lurking in Lusby, Maryland Beach – The Southern Maryland Chronicle

UPDATE September 19, 2022: As solely reported by the Southern Maryland Chronicle, the Chronicle reached out to Maryland’s DNR for affirmation of a sighting considered an alligator lurking in a Lusby, MD seaside.  

Whereas such issues are very tough to verify, a biologist with DNR did reply and said that it’s doable that it could possibly be an alligator,  as the image and the “pushing” of the water recommend.  

Patuxsey, the identify given to the alligator by neighbors, is calculated to be between 6-8 ft lengthy.  Patuxsey has not been seen since Thursday, however neighbors have pointed to sand prints considered Patuxsey’s.

Southern Maryland Chronicle’s photojournalist, Sal Icaza, first noticed and photographed Patuxsey at a seaside in Lusby, Maryland, this previous Thursday, September 15, 2022.  

Whereas alligator sightings have been reported within the Patuxent River close to the Hollywood, MD space in St. Mary’s County, such reviews have been unsubstantiated and dismissed.

Nonetheless, in June of 2021, additionally in Lusby, MD, an almost 8-foot alligator was positioned, then hunted and killed in a pond close by the place Patuxsey was noticed. “I hope Patuxsey is caught with out harming anybody or any pets; that’s firstly. Then, if caught, I hope Patuxsey is relocated unhurt,” mentioned Icaza.  “Free Patuxsey!” Concluded, Icaza

The Southern Maryland Chronicle urges excessive warning all through the seashores in Lusby.

Keep tuned to the Southern Maryland Chronicle for added data as this story develops.

September 18, 2022: Southern Maryland Chronicle’s photojournalist, Sal Icaza, noticed and photographed what might seem like an alligator at a seaside in Lusby, Maryland, this previous Thursday, September 15, 2022.  

Whereas alligator sightings have been reported within the Patuxent River close to the Hollywood, MD space in St. Mary’s County, such reviews have been unsubstantiated by lack of proof and subsequently dismissed.  

“Given the photographic proof, with the RAW information to incorporate its metadata, the authorities will be capable to decide its authenticity and decide what it’s,” mentioned Icaza.

“I observed the ripples on the water because it swam in direction of my route, as you’ll be able to see within the image.  I believed that it was going to come back onto shore however rotated proper earlier than it made touchdown; it was spooked when it noticed me.  I used to be photographing Eagles utilizing a 500mm lens, and this creature regarded like an alligator to me, was so shut that the lengthy telephoto lens had a tricky time focusing at such brief distances.  I actually didn’t assume the image got here out, so I didn’t test it at first.  The image continues to be a bit blurry, however one can moderately see what it’s.” Stated Icaza.

The picture has been despatched to DNR for identification, and unique RAW information have been preserved for authentication; the precise location is undisclosed till official substantiation.  The Southern Maryland Chronicle urges excessive warning.

Keep tuned to the Southern Maryland Chronicle for added data as this story develops.