Authorities in northeast Kansas say a small alligator spotted in a lake was shot and wounded in the snout before it could be rescued.

Fishermen spotted the 3-foot-long alligator on Saturday in Atchison County Lake. Sheriff’s deputies monitored the animal until the Atchison County Humane Society helped catch it Monday using a dog kennel and other tools.

KMBC-TV reports that investigators learned of the shooting while arranging to transfer the alligator to a sanctuary near Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Experts at the Monkey Island sanctuary say the bullet traveled between the gator’s eyes through its body. They expect it to recover.

The Atchison County sheriff says a 53-year-old Horton man has been cited as the shooter. Deputies are still looking for whoever dumped the alligator in the lake.

—

Information from: KMBC-TV, http://www.kmbc.com