Alligators are not native to California

Reggie, who was dumped by his owners when he became too big, was spotted in a lake in the Harbor City area.

Residents were warned to contain their excitement and stay away. "Reggie is older, Reggie is bigger, and he's probably hungry," said an official.

Authorities had o­nce asked Australian naturalist Steve Irwin to help snare Reggie, but he died before assisting.

Now Los Angeles officials hope to contact colleagues of Irwin, who was killed by a stingray last year, to help catch Reggie.

Reggie is older, Reggie is bigger, and he's probably hungry Janice Hahn

"We're going to call Irwin's crew and see if they might not like to come out in memory of Steve Irwin and finish the job that Steve promised that he would do for Los Angeles," said city councilwoman Janice Hahn.

Reggie was first seen in August 2005 and became a much celebrated figure in the local community until vanishing. His lengthy disappearance led officials to believe he had either died or moved o­n.

If captured, new accommodation may be found for Reggie at Los Angeles zoo, so locals can continue to visit their favourite alligator.