As part of a new strategy to catch an alligator that’s been on the lam in the Humboldt Park lagoon for several days, the city of Chicago is instituting new closures around the water to bring the reptilian saga to an end.

According to a press release issued by Chicago Animal Care and Control, the eastern half of the Humboldt Park lagoon will be closed to the public beginning on Sunday night, and will remain closed until the alligator is captured.

Specifically, the boathouse parking lot at the park will close at 9 p.m., and the park and pedestrian paths east of North Humboldt Drive will be closed to the public in an effort to “create an environment that lends to the animals’ safe capture,” the agency said. .

At 11 p.m. Sunday night, all access to North Luis Munoz Marin Drive east of Humboldt Drive will be closed until further notice, the agency said.

The western half of Humboldt Park will remain open, including the swimming area and the field house.

The new strategy comes as the CACC hired Frank Robb, an alligator expert who owns Crocodilian Specialist Services in Florida. Robb was recommended by local experts in Florida, and arrived in Chicago on Sunday for an examination of the area surrounding the lagoon.