It's been a strange week of reported animal sightings in Indiana.

For about a year people have said they have seen a big cat near Decatur Indiana. Video: http://www.wane.com/Global/Video/WorldnowA...v&clipid=984348

Alligators reported in White River
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/...ssentinel_local
At least four people, including an Indianapolis police officer, reported seeing the alligators.

Two people fishing in the river reported seeing the alligators about 5 p.m. Monday. The larger reptile was estimated at 10-12 feet long, and the other at 2-3 feet.

“At first I thought it was a log,” said Matt Goode, 35. “But then it took off — and that was enough for me to decide it was time to go.”

Brad Craig, an Indianapolis police environmental officer, was patrolling along the west bank of the river when Goode and two friends flagged him down and reported seeing the alligators.

“I was skeptical, very skeptical,” Craig said. But then he saw the big gator. “You could see the snout and the eyeballs and the tail of it, and it went back under,” he said.

Craig called for help from police and city animal control officers. Indianapolis zoo personnel also assisted in the two-hours search. No alligators were reported missing from the nearby zoo.

Senior zookeeper Curt Burnette said it was unlikely, but possible, that alligators might survive in the river, but they could not survive the Indiana winter.

In August 2005, officials captured a 4 1/2 -foot alligator in a subdivision’s retention pond in the suburb of Greenwood. Officials said that gator likely was a pet that had been turned loose or escaped. Department of Natural Resources officer Scott Johnson said that likely also was the case Monday.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...0364/-1/ZONES04

Police seek story behind the snake
Owner, relatives of reptile sought


Did the giant Burmese python, found dead in White River, have a brother that might still be swimming around?

Hamilton County authorities hope not. But until they can trace the origin of the 19-foot snake found this week, the search for its owner -- and any relatives -- will continue.
"We're not looking at trying to charge anyone with anything," said Sgt. Jon T. Robison of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department.
"But we are most concerned about public safety."
Canoeists found the python near a public park and across the street from a campground north of Noblesville.
A local snake seller said Thursday that it's possible the snake had been dumped earlier this year and was living in the river. It may have been struck by a boat, based on red marks reportedly found on its neck.
The snake's body was found in the Strawtown area, not far from Koteewi Park and the White River Campgrounds -- which has police concerned.
"These are areas with kids, pets and people swimming in the river," said Robison.
"We are checking with exotic pet shops and others to see if they know of anyone around here who had a python."
Tony Weber, owner of the Pet Jungle at 106th Street and Michigan Road in Carmel, said he sells 50 to 100 pythons and boa constrictors every year, but he has not heard of any python owners losing their pets lately.
"But it was somebody's pet, obviously," said Weber. "Who knows how long it had been there (in the river)?"
Weber, whose store specializes in snakes and other reptiles, said it's possible for a python and other non-native snakes to survive in the river, at least until winter, when the cold climate would be fatal.
Pythons sell for about $110. Pet Jungle has an adult female, 12 feet long and weighing 85 pounds, for sale.
"Snakes make good pets," said Weber. "There are lots of them around."