There appears to be a reptile repeat of sorts along the Kiski River in Kiski Township.
After a weeklong search and rescue of an alligator from the river near Apollo in August, a group of six kayakers reported spotting another alligator swimming in the Kiski on Sunday afternoon, about a mile north of the Roaring Run boat ramp.
“We got excited and paddled around to get better pictures of it,” said frequent kayaker Joshua Kelley of Buffalo Township, who snapped several photos of the small reptile. “We were kayaking and saw an animal and thought it was a muskrat, but realized it was an alligator.”
Kelley’s kayak group stayed close to the alligator in hopes of catching it, but the reptile eventually submerged itself in water.
After reaching shore, Kelley contacted Kiski Township Police Chief Lee Bartolicius.
Bartolicius, off-duty and out-of-town Sunday, advised Kelley to call 911 and report the sighting.
After making the call, Kelley met with Kiski Township police Officer Anthony Mangee at the Apollo boat landing to officially report the sighting.
“He took my name and number and thanked me,” Kelley said.
Kelley’s fiancee, Shelby Mitchell, of Buffalo Township also witnessed the alligator and described the encounter as “exciting.” She said she fears that the alligator they spotted Sunday might not be the only one in the Kiski River.
“I definitely think someone released their poor pets into the river,” Mitchell said. “I feel bad for the poor guy.”
Bartolicius said anyone who spots the gator, should report the sighting to 911.
