WATTS, OK (AP) – Game wardens say they are taking seriously reports of an alligator in a stream in northeastern Oklahoma.

Game wardens say they haven’t seen the alligator but have seen photos that do not appear altered. They say it’s likely a pet that someone released.

The wardens say there is also physical evidence — such as markings on the creek bank that appear to be made by an alligator sliding into the water.

Local resident Chris Reese says he and two friends saw the
alligator while driving beside the creek. He says the three returned later and saw the alligator again. They estimate it’s four to five feet long.