Decatur police say they have a new member of their department. He’s short, a little more than three feet in length, and stays low to the ground.

The department introduced the public to “Al,” its new investi-Gator, via social media.

According to police, officers responded to a gator call this morning at Ingalls Harbor.

Al will be released for duty at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, the department stated. So, see you later, Decatur gator.

Yes, there are alligators in north Alabama. Here’s how they got there

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, sightings of the American Alligator species are increasing in north Alabama. Gators are typically limited to the southern half of the state, due to habitat and temperature requirements, while they do show up in wetlands, coastal marshes, natural lakes and some reservoirs.

If you encounter an alligator that you believe poses a threat, the department says, contact your local Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries office.