Wildlife expert spots long-rumored alligator in Arkansas lake

CONWAY, Ark. (KARK/KAIT) – An alligator was seen roaming via the waters of Lake Conway, and now, the photographs captured by a wildlife skilled are gaining traction.

Cole Harken is a wildlife skilled residing in Conway. He advised content material companion KARK he was headed out on the lake final week looking for fish when he got here throughout the alligator.

“I used to be like, “No approach!” I needed to double-take like two or 3 times like, “Oh my gosh. That is that second,” he stated.

Harken has lived in Conway most of his life and stated he has waited practically 20 years to see the notorious Lake Conway alligator in particular person.

“For the longest time, it was simply sort of a rumor,” he stated.

Harken stated there was all the time discuss a potential alligator roaming the waters of Lake Conway, however with out proof, it’s exhausting to imagine.

“Footage or it didn’t occur,” he advised KARK.

Harken stated he seen the gator whereas looking for fish on his kayak.

He stated he waited and slowly received nearer to the animal, following it alongside its path till it was proper beside him.

“He’s like perpendicular to my boat and he submerges,” Harken stated. “He’s beneath my boat in lower than two toes of water, so I may nearly really feel him.”

He advised KARK it was a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, an outdated wives’ story come true.

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