Jun 11, 2020

Update: Trail closed after stolen gators spotted near Wildcat Creek

Posted Jun 11, 2020 1:54 PM
The gators are larger than this photo taken one year ago- photo courtesy RCPD
The gators are larger than this photo taken one year ago- photo courtesy RCPD

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.

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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.