(KAIR)--It was an unexpected discovery at the Atchison County Lake Saturday for a group of fisherman. Instead of making the big catch, they spotted what they believed to be an alligator.
Reporting the sighting to the caretaker, he arrived and confirmed their suspicions, notifying the Atchison County Sheriff’s Department of the odd discovery.
Sheriff Jack Laurie says his deputies, working with the Atchison County Humane Society Monday, used a net, a dog kennel, and other tools to rescue the alligator, believed to have been a pet at one time, but released when it began to grow.
Currently in Humane Society custody, Laurie says the alligator Tuesday will be turned over to exotic animal experts and transported to a reserve area, known as Monkey Island, located east of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Laurie says the investigation into the past alligator’s owner is continuing, and charges, including animal cruelty, are possible.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS replacement plates see long wait times
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
LATEST STORIES
Commission takes action related to bridge project
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township