Alligator dies after being caught in trap near Kansas creek

An alligator that was recently spotted near a Kansas creek has died after being caught in a trap.

The 5-foot (1.5-meter) alligator is believed to be one of two stolen from a pet store in the northeastern Kansas city of Manhattan earlier this month.

The pet store, Manhattan Reptile World, said the alligator drowned after getting caught in the trap that was set out for the animal.

The second alligator that was taken from the pet store has yet to be found.

Authorities have said they don’t know whether the other alligator stolen on June 5 is also on the loose.

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The search continues in Manhattan for one of two alligators reported stolen from a local reptile store over the weekend.

The Riley County Police Department said Thursday Linear Park Trail will be closed from Pecan Circle to South Manhattan Avenue until further notice while animal control works to safely secure the alligator found Wednesday.

Residents were urged to avoid Wildcat Creek after a man called 911 to report he saw the alligator while walking along the trail.

Animal Control responded and spotted the alligator on a branch in the water. They set a trap but the gator eluded them.

Residents are asked to avoid the area as they work to capture the first gator while the second one remains missing.