Chicago is an alligator-free city. At least until this year, when a resident spotted a four-foot-long creature swimming the Humboldt Park lagoon. Dubbed “Chance the Snapper” in a Block Club Chicago online poll, the reptile became a national news story, drawing thousands of curious residents to the West Side, inspiring custom t-shirts and even a brew: Revolution Brewing’s Humboldt Gator. Chance was ultimately captured by Frank Robb of St. Augustine, Florida. After Robb’s success, he was invited to throw out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game and to turn on Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Who knew all we need to do to unite Chicagoans is set a small alligator loose? (Tanner Woodford)
