BELFAIR, Wash. -- State Fish and Wildlife agents have posted warning signs telling everyone to stay out of the water at Trails End Lake near Belfair.

"(It's) very serious, I don't need one of my kids getting eaten or something like that you know." - Justin Canterbury Trails End Lake resident

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The agents have received reports that someone's eight-foot-long pet alligator escaped and is likely living in the lake.

Wildlife officers say the reports are believable, but so far they have not been able to identify the alligator's owner to confirm the story.

"(It's) very serious, I don't need one of my kids getting eaten or something like that you know," said Justin Canterbury, a lake resident.

Wildlife agents will continue trying to find the alligator's owner.

They say the lake is warm enough for a gator now, but it wouldn't make it through a northwest winter.