East Lyme — The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the presence of an alligator in Powers Lake could not be confirmed after an investigation Tuesday morning.

DEEP had received a report that a resident spotted a 1-foot-long alligator in the lake off Whistletown Road. East Lyme's Public Safety team posted about the sighting on Facebook about 9:30 a.m.

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, DEEP said Environmental Conservation police could not confirm an alligator was in the lake after visiting the site and interviewing the witness.

East Lyme Public Safety said residents who see the reptile or have information about it should call DEEP at (860) 434-3333.