Lincoln Police are on the hunt, but not for a suspect...they're looking for an armadillo. Early Tuesday morning, Lincoln Police tweeted a video of the armadillo near 13th and O Streets in downtown Lincoln.
They tweeted, "Sooooooo....there is an ARMADILLO running around Downtown #LNK. Tried for a Positive Police Contact, but he was having none of it."
LPD later tweeted the armadillo's name is now "Abe" and is reportedly "happy and healthy."
Animal Control was notified and officials say they are a little worried for Abe because there are a lot of cars in downtown Lincoln, and they fear he could get hit.
While only one armadillo has been spotted in Lincoln, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission said more and more armadillos are making their way to the state. Milder winters appear to be the blame as the warmer temperatures have allowed the critters to stay here during the winter, especially because armadillos like venturing out into new areas.
After some concern from the public, Lincoln Children's Zoo officials said not to worry because both of its armadillos are accounted for and are different than the one spotted downtown. The type of armadillo that is more common in Nebraska, and was spotted downtown, is a nine-banded armadillo. The ones housed at the zoo are three-band armadillos.
If you spot "Abe" the armadillo, or any other armadillo, don't try to catch it yourself, instead call animal control at 402-441-7900.