'It's shocking': Apollo-area residents react after another alligator reportedly spotted in Kiski

Sep. 4—Apollo area residents were saying "see ya later, alligator" after a gator some called Chomper was captured last month from the Kiski River.

But over the weekend, another alligator, or something thought to be an alligator, was spotted in the same area.

It left some river enthusiasts less enthused over Labor Day.

"It's shocking," said Joe Edwards of Leechburg. "It's unsafe for people because they can grow to be huge. I kayak, and I think it will scare some people away. They (alligators) have strong jaws."

On Sunday, a group of six kayakers reported seeing a small alligator swimming in the Kiski, about a mile north of the Roaring Run boat ramp in Kiski Township.

While Edwards chose to avoid the Kiski River on the last traditional weekend of summer, the abundant sunshine, high temperatures and a glistening Kiski appeared to attract kayakers and tubers, with dozens of people spotted along the river on Labor Day near Apollo.

First-time tuber Robert Wislie of Harrison has a theory about why alligators are popping up.

"I think someone is releasing them," Wislie said. "They're getting dumped."

Wislie had planned a Labor Day family float trip for six relatives, but after reading the news of a second alligator sighting, three of the party canceled, opting to avoid the river.

"We had two younger ones, 9 and 7, and they didn't want to go," Wislie said.

Wislie said he saw two fisherman while tubing who said they were hoping to catch the alligator.

Armstrong County Humane Officer Amber Phillips, instrumental in the safe apprehension and handling of Chomper, said she is waiting for some items to arrive before spearheading a second search.

"There's more obstacles this time due to the location," Phillips said.

Phillips was not available Monday for additional details on how authorities plan to launch a second search.

Kayaker and fisherman Jacob Clark of Vandergrift enjoyed an afternoon on the river with his girlfriend, Emilia Ferretti.

Ferretti, 20, of Rhode Island is a University of Pittsburgh student who recently heard of the alligator drama in the area.

"Obviously, they shouldn't be here," Ferretti said. "I was keeping an eye out today."

Ferretti, who works part-time at a coffee shop in Vandergrift, said the news of another Kiski gator has people talking.

"There's a buzz about it on the river," Ferretti said.

Clark said he isn't scared to be in the water.

"It's neat. I hope they can find it," Clark said. "I would have liked to see it."

Clark said he spotted a large galvanized trap onshore near the foot bridge along Roaring Run and he assumed it was set to catch the alligator.

It was unclear who set the trap, he said.

The River's Edge Canoe & Kayak owner Neill Andritz handled several hundred customers Monday and said there were no additional sightings reported by customers.

"More people seemed to be excited about seeing the alligator. I think it's because they captured Chomper in a calm way. There's really nothing to be afraid of. It didn't affect business at all," Andritz said.

The annual Steel City Classic fishing tournament scheduled for next Saturday will attract as many as 70 anglers to the Kiski.

"Some of our fishermen will likely be looking for it," Andritz said.

Kiski Township police Chief Lee Bartolicius was off duty over the holiday weekend.

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .