Some Lauderdale County residents spotted an alligator in a pond next to Q.V. Sykes Park and baseball complex this weekend and again Monday.

The four to five foot alligator apparently came from neighboring Okatibbee Creek to take up residence in the retaining pond at the park.

The pond is often used for fishing. Some people were more than a little nervous.

"We were fishing, and saw something surface, and then its tail kept flapping. Then we noticed it was an alligator. It can't be, it can't be," said Elaine Hodge of Meridian.

Officials said late Monday afternoon that an alligator trapping specialist was being called in to remove the reptile.