Real or Fake?: After photo of alligator in Columbus Metro Park goes viral, officials chime in

Could an alligator be cruising the Scioto River in Downtown Columbus? According to the Facebook user behind a photo that’s making rounds in Columbus, this is the case. But officials aren’t so sure.

Over the weekend, Facebook user Justin KidChevy Clarke posted a photo of what appears to be an alligator swimming near the boat ramp at Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

The post garnered 300 comments in the span of just two days. While many believed the photo to be legitimate, others believed it was AI-generated. 

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State and local officials both expressed doubt about the veracity of the image.

Jill Snyder, Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks public information officer, told 614Now that she believes the image to AI-generated. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) agrees. ODNR wildlife communications specialist Sarah Schott told 614Now “It appears the photo is AI.”

Clarke did not respond to a request for comment.

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