Despite her keen reptile instincts, Gilda Gator did it again. She lost her egg — and she needs your help in finding it. Of course, a lofty reward of $1,000 waits for whoever locates Gilda Gator’s missing egg.

Beginning Tuesday, a clue will be posted in The Selma Times-Journal every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday revealing information on the egg’s whereabouts. And although the average Joe can piece together the clues, it’s important that everyone has a thorough understanding of the rules in this egg hunt.

Tina Yelverton, retail-advertising coordinator for the Times-Journal, said the rules have changed from last year’s hunt. This year, participants must go to each of the eight retail locations, which will be listed in the Times-Journal, and gather parts of the clue labeled A though H.

“Each retailer will have one part of the complete clue — so you need all eight parts to get the full clue,” explained Yelverton, noting that the egg and clues will not be hidden on private property.

Last year, Gilda Gator’s egg was found near the Old Depot Museum, but this year there’s no telling where she’s misplaced it.

“It’s all in good fun,” Yelverton said of the yearly egg hunt. “We ask that people practice safety, though. And we also encourage that while they’re in any of the eight locations picking up a clue to please support our local businesses and do some shopping.”

The final clue — the clue that will yield a $1,000 cash prize to whoever cracks the case of Gilda Gator’s missing egg — will be available at participating locations Friday, August 2.