Alligator Mascot Stolen From Louisiana Business Returned

(Lake Charles, Louisiana) - A small business in Southwest Louisiana is excited to have its mascot back home, and now authorities are looking for those who stole it.

Niche Creative Studio in Lake Charles posted photos on social media of the alligator that sits near the entrance to their business being returned by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, and they are so excited to have it back home.

Sadly, there are some scuff marks on the alligator that was returned, but that won't stop the Lake Charlless business from welcoming the gator back home. Authorities are still investigating the "gatornapping," and once an arrest has been made, we will update the story here.

According to a Facebook post on January 16th, the statue was stolen then, and, according to the small businesses, it was a huge investment for them when they purchased it from the Lake Charles Symphony.

The investment made by the Lake Charles-based businesses was in good faith, as they supported the arts in their community and even asked a local artist to put the finishing touches on the gator, which welcomed all their customers.

For now, the small business is celebrating the return of the missing mascot, which reminds me of when a few pelicans were stolen from various businesses in Lafayette years ago. Yes, people can be cruel, and they will often take what does not belong to them.

We're just glad that this mascot is back home in Lake Charles, and we hope that it never goes on another "vacation." Here's a look at the deputies returning the gator to its rightful owner in South Louisiana.

Here are photos of the gator returning home in Lake Charles, and we hope that it never leaves again. It's where it belongs.