(AUBURN) - The owner of an alligator that escaped in Auburn last week is pushing back against concerns from neighbors as the search for the reptile continues.
Mark Kohlhorst, owner of the educational animal program Mark's Ark, said he discovered the two-foot-long alligator missing Thursday evening after returning from a presentation. The animal, named Irwin, had been transported in a ventilated cooler and remains at large.
Kohlhorst said he is unsure how the alligator escaped but maintains the animal poses little danger to the public because of its size and diet.
The escape has renewed concerns among some neighbors, who say other animals have gotten loose from the property over the years. Residents cited previous incidents involving livestock and exotic animals and questioned whether the operation is being managed safely.
Kohlhorst disputes some of those claims and said only five animals have escaped from his property in the past 15 years, including pigs, a pony, a tortoise, an emu and the missing alligator. He also denied allegations that other alligators found in the area in previous years belonged to him.
Neighbors have contacted local and state officials seeking a review of the situation, while some have raised concerns about children playing outdoors near ponds and other areas where the alligator could be hiding.
Kohlhorst said he is being unfairly criticized and pointed to his USDA certification as evidence that his animals are properly cared for.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office was notified of the escape Friday. The alligator had not been located as of Wednesday morning, and county officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and take action if necessary.