RILEY COUNTY — One of two alligators stolen from Reptile World in Manhattan has been found and has died.
The owners of Reptile World reported on social media late Saturday, "We are very sad to report that our alligator that was in Wildcat Creek was found dead tonight. He somehow fell into the water after getting caught in the trap set out for him/her. It’s a very sad outcome but he/she is out of the water now RIP. Our other alligator has not been found."
The section of Linear Trail between S. Manhattan Avenue and Pecan Circle will remain closed until the animals are captured safely.
Reptile World acquired the two animals as rescues. One was rescued from Kansas City where it was living in a pool at a private residence, and the other was rescued from the bathtub of a private residence in Manhattan.
--------------
RILEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to catch an alligator reported in Wildcat Creek in Manhattan.
Just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday, the Riley County Police Department Emergency Dispatch center received a call from a man who said he saw an alligator while walking on Linear Park Trail near 17th street, according to a social media report from the RCPD.
Animal Control was sent to the scene and located an alligator in Wildcat Creek. The alligator is believed to be one of the two stolen from Reptile World over the weekend. Police are asking the public to please avoid Wildcat Creek while animal control works to safely catch the gator. It is unknown how or when the alligator made it into the creek.
Linear Trail is also closed from Pecan Circle to S Manhattan Ave while animal control works to safely secure the alligator found Wednesday. Please avoid the area. The second gator which was reported stolen over the weekend has not been found.
---------
MANHATTAN —Two 5-foot long alligators were taken from Reptile World, 1917 Fort Riley Blvd in Manhattan on Friday night, according to the Riley County Police Department.
It's illegal to have an alligator this size in the city of Manhattan without a pet store license, according to the RCPD.
If you have any info on the gators, contact Riley County Police or Crime Stoppers.