The alligator is gone from Q.V. Sykes Park. Officials with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks had it removed Monday night. It was first discovered Sunday.

Officials with the local office for Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said the alligator likely ended up here for one of two reasons, either because it's almost mating season or because it came here looking for food. After all, this pond was recently stocked with catfish for a fishing rodeo.

Despite a recent increase in sightings, wildlife officials say there is actually not much, if any, increase when it comes to alligators. Instead they say the dry conditions over the last few years played a large role in reducing the water areas available for alligators, thus making them more visible.

Suzy Johnson of Meridian knows all too well about this. Last fall, her family had a close encounter with one at Okatibbee Lake.

"My husband noticed what he thought was a log, and all of a sudden, the log is moving and he realized at that point it was an alligator because it's head came up and it was moving steadily toward Gordy," said Johnson, referring to her dog.

Johnson said no one was hurt.

Meanwhile, wildlife officials say it's too early to project whether or not this year will be more active when it comes to alligator sightings.

However, they remind the public not to feed the reptiles and that it's illegal to shoot one. People who do this could face a hefty fine of up to $25,000.