Alligator gars are a unique species of fish and are often referred to as "living fossils." This is because fossil records for the animals have been discovered dating back almost 100 million years.The fish is usually found in areas like southwestern Ohio, parts of Missouri and Illinois.
The fish has not been found, however, in the state of Kansas.That is, until now.While other species of gar are native to Kansas, alligator gar do not typically live in the area.
According to a press release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, state biologists are researching how an alligator gar ended up in the state’s Neosho River.Danny Smith, II holds alligator gar caught in September in the Neosho River east of Parsons, Kansas. (Photo.