There is one less alligator in the Westfield River and the rescue of the displaced reptile has arrived just in time, the Fisheries and Wildlife Division said on Tuesday.

The 3-foot alligator, which is not native to Massachusetts, was first reported to state wildlife and local authorities in mid-August when it was spotted swimming near from the Morgan Sullivan Bridge which connects West Springfield and Agawam. The first attempts to locate and capture the alligator have failed, and West Springfield Animal Control said the most recent sightings reported to them were in early October.

But on Monday, a viewer sent WWLP 22News a video of an alligator swimming near the Big E fairgrounds and launched new efforts to capture the cold-blooded creature, which likely could not survive in the area while the water temperature drops.

“Several kayakers were inspired to try and locate and capture the animal, but were unsuccessful,” MassWildlife said. “On Tuesday, a persistent kayaker found and captured the reptile, then contacted state wildlife officials. Arrangements have been made for environmental police to return the approximately 3-foot animal to MassWildlife. “

That persistent kayaker was Jeremy White, who told WWLP he pulled the gator in his kayak and brought it back to shore before contacting environmental police.

It is illegal to keep alligators and related crocodilians as pets in Massachusetts, and MassWildlife has said it plans to “place the alligator in a suitable and legal home.” West Springfield Animal Control said the alligator will be turned over to a licensed reptile rescue organization.