Florida authorities in video wrangle, remove massive alligator from pathway frequented by schoolchildren
Footage of the encounter showed the giant alligator lumbering along a chain-link fence
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A 12-and-a-half-foot alligator spotted strolling along a pathway frequented by kids walking to and from a nearby school was recently wrangled by Florida law enforcement and safely relocated.
According to the Pinellas Sheriff's Office, deputies received a call earlier this week from a concerned resident who said that there was an alligator on a pathway often traversed by schoolchildren.
When deputies arrived in the wooded area, they quickly spotted the massive gator meandering along the path.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"When deputies arrived, they found this absolute dinosaur and promptly called Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) for assistance," Pinellas Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post.
The 12-and-a-half alligator was seen wondering along a pathway that children frequented. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office )
Video of the encounter showed the beast lumbering along a chain-link fence.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Stay, I said, stay," an officer is heard saying. "Good boy."
The video cuts to FWC wrangling the writhing gator with a rope before they duct taped its massive jaws closed.
The agency said that the group of wranglers were "a bit fearful, but willing."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Once the reptile was wrangled, it was taken to a sanctuary in South Florida. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office )
Before it was relocated to a sanctuary in southern Florida, officers were seen gently patting the large alligator to help it "de-stress."
INVASIVE AFRICAN LIZARD SPOTTED MOVING NORTH IN FLORIDA
According to FWC, May is the gator-mating season and the animals may be traveling to seek out a mate.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}According to FWC, May is the gator-mating season, and the animals may be traveling to seek out a mate. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office )
Staying safe around alligators
Wildlife officials say people should always keep a safe distance from alligators — they are wild animals and can be dangerous if provoked.
If there's concern about a Florida alligator, call the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.