Officials are urging people not to approach it.Updated: 6:20 PM CDT Aug 3,2026Editorial Standards ⓘPatrick TalbotReporter.css-ncbpmr{padding-left:0;margin-top:18px;margin-right:3px;float:left;font-weight:700;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.7;font-family:var(--font-source-sans-pro);}@media only screen and (min-width: 41.25rem){.css-ncbpmr{margin-left:60px;margin-top:0px;}}CLEVELAND COUNTY, Okla. —A search is underway in Cleveland County after a three-foot caiman escaped from its owner. Deputies are asking people who live in the area to keep an eye out and stay away if they see it.
Authorities also said this is more than just an unusual call. Weaver said his office learned about the escape on Sunday night . But the owner told investigators the reptile had actually been missing since Friday, giving it a few days' head start.
"If you see something in your backyard, don't go out there and play around with this thing. We need to isolate it so we can capture it," Weaver said. The search is focused in the area of Indian Hills Road and Sunnylane Road,but Weaver said the animal could have traveled farther by now, making tips from the public their best chance of finding it .
- —A search is underway in Cleveland County after a three-foot caiman escaped from its owner.
- Deputies are asking people who live in the area to keep an eye out and stay away if they see it.
- Authorities also said this is more than just an unusual call.
"It's just it got a few days jump on us. I know these things can move pretty quickly. I mean,it could be a mile or two miles, possibly from where it was originally located.
So,when you get into a situation like that,and it's so small, you know,I mean,the three feet, it's not really long,when you go out into the woods and things, creek banks and things like that . So,right now we're just we just need the public's help to be honest with you," Weaver said.>> Video Below: Search ongoing for missing caiman on loose in Cleveland CountyThe Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said caimans aren't native to Oklahoma,but they are close relatives to alligators. Wildlife officials said if someone comes across one, they should not approach it; back away and call local authorities.
