Rare white gator stolen in arson

ORLANDO — Authorities are investigating a suspected burglary and arson that led to the theft on an incredibly rare white alligator and the deaths of 43 other reptiles at a sanctuary run by reality television stars the “Swamp Brothers,” Sumter County deputies said.

Now, investigators are looking for the rare Leucistic gator named “Snowball.”

The white alligator with dark markings was last seen in the structure at 11:30 a.m. the day of the fire.

However, evidence at the scene led detectives to believe the structure was burglarized — with Snowball being taken — before the fire began, Sumter County sheriff's Capt. Pat Breeden said.