Locate Creature Question

[ozgnp]

The spell (Core, pg. 305) doesn't list a range, so one assumes it is virtually unlimited, except when intercepted by running water. Yet, the wording of how one uses the spell is a bit confusing: "You...sense when you are facing in the direction of the creature to be located, provided it is within range."
So does the spell have a range or not? If so, what is it? Long, like Locate Object?
Please explain this self-contradiction.

[David Thomassen]

Locate Creature "This spell functions like locate object, except this spell locates a known creature"
Locate Object "Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)"