Watch: Massive 12-Foot Long Alligator Removed From Florida Mall

Alligators are a common sight in Florida. Their high population in the state often means that they wander in residential areas such as schools, homes, and parking lots. Recently, a 12-foot-long alligator that weighed 272 kilograms (600 pounds) was rescued from a mall and relocated to the wild. The alligator was found strolling at Coconut Point Mall in Estero. On December 22, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office shared a video that showed multiple people holding the alligator with their bare hands and putting it in a truck. The alligator was most likely tranquilised or sedated. This rescue operation was a joint effort of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

While sharing the clip from the alligator’s rescue and relocation, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office wrote, “Just moments ago, Sergeant Toslluku, Deputy Cevertus, and Deputy Roedding were called to a 12-foot-long and 600-pound alligator at Coconut Point Mall !!! Our friends with MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife responded to the scene and in a joint effort, got this massive guy to safety! There truly is never a dull moment while on patrol here in Lee County. If you’re chompin’ at the bit to get into law enforcement, we promise excitement and a great workout here at #TeamLCSO."

In June this year, a chilling video that showed a reptile wrangler catching a feisty alligator that had entered a swimming pool inside a house went viral. Pesky Critters Wildlife Control shared a video that documented the risky relocation operation. The crocodile handlers managed to get the reptile out of the pool despite its aggressive behaviour and then released it back into the wild.

A post shared by Pesky Critters Wildlife Control (@pesky_critters)

While sharing this clip, Pesky Critters Wildlife Control wrote, “Expert wildlife trapper Todd Hardwick quickly secured the crocodile, even after its massive splashes created a slick and dangerous footing situation on the pool deck. He and assistant trapper Jeff Peterla heaved it onto the deck where a Monroe county officer (MCSO – Florida Keys), then assisted them with moving it to a safe location for release. Footage shows Todd Hardwick removing its restraints once relocated and gently but safely encouraging it back into its habitat. Crocodiles are a threatened species in Florida, and endangered everywhere else in the United States."