RILEY COUNTY—The search for one of two alligators taken from Reptile World in Manhattan is over. The store reported late Thursday their gator Beauregard has been captured out of Wildcat Creek and is now safely back home at the store.
The 5-foot alligator was captured Thursday after it was seen sunbathing near the creek. The owners of Manhattan Reptile World reported the two alligators were stolen in early June. One was spotted in Wildcat Creek days later but it ultimately drowned in a trap.
The second alligator, named Beauregard, was captured Thursday when a member of a construction crew, Hunter Cragg, waded into the creek and grabbed it, after efforts to catch it with bait were unsuccessful. Officials don’t know who took the alligators or how they ended up in the creek.
It's illegal to have an alligator this size in the city of Manhattan without a pet store license, according to the RCPD.
- The Associated Press contributed to this story
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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.
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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.