(AUBURN) - The owner of an alligator that escaped in Auburn last week is pushing back against criticism from neighbors who say they are concerned about safety and a history of animals getting loose.
WANE 15 reports Irwin, a two-foot-long alligator owned by Mark Kohlhorst of Mark's Ark, escaped Thursday evening and remained missing as of Monday.
Kohlhorst said he discovered the alligator missing after returning home from an animal show and finding the ventilated cooler used to transport Irwin empty. He reported the missing alligator to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office on Friday.
Kohlhorst said he does not believe the animal poses a danger to the public, explaining that the alligator primarily eats mice and would likely avoid people.
Some neighbors disagree. Nearby residents told WANE 15 they are concerned about the safety of children and say other animals from the property have escaped over the years.
Kohlhorst acknowledged five animal escapes during the past 15 years, including potbellied pigs, a pony, a tortoise, an emu and Irwin the alligator. He said all were recovered except the alligator, which remains missing, and an emu that was later euthanized after running into traffic.
Neighbors also questioned whether previous alligators found in the area belonged to Kohlhorst. He denied those claims, saying Irwin is the only alligator that has escaped from his property and that he previously showed law enforcement and conservation officers that his other alligators were accounted for.
Kohlhorst said criticism of his operation is unfair and pointed to his USDA certification as evidence that his animals are properly cared for.
Neighbors have contacted state and county officials seeking action.
The search for Irwin continues.