Alligator Spotted In MetroWest Lake

BOSTON -- A Framingham lake was closed to swimmers Friday after an alligator was spotted lurking in the water.

James Boudreau, 15, said that he saw a 5-foot-long gator twice in Lake Washakum. He said that he regularly takes his boat out on the lake and that he first saw the gator on Wednesday.

VIDEO: Gator Spotted In Lake

"As I got closer, I saw spikes on the back. Then I saw the head. As I got closer, I think it got scared of my propeller and went under water," he said. "It was right in the middle of the lake, and I saw the nose. I kept seeing it go up and down and up and down," James said.

His younger brother, Matthew, also spotted the alligator.

"It was moving under water, and I saw the nose come up and go back down," he said.

"I saw what I saw. I am very convinced," James said.

The Parks and Recreation Department decided to close the lake's beach, while the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has been informed.

A town animal control officer will be out in a boat at dusk to search for the small reptile. Officials said anyone who sees the alligator should call 911.