iStockphoto / kellyvandellen
Alligator removal is tricky business in Florida for several reasons. First and foremost, the alligators were here first and deserve to live their lives in peace.
However, when an alligator is deemed a ‘nuisance’ then the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program in Florida will capture and relocate the alligators. In order for an alligator to be deemed a nuisance it must be ‘at least 4 feet’ in length and ‘pose a threat people, pets, or property’ according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Footage Of Alligator Removal In Florida Goes Viral
One such nuisance alligator was marked for removal north of Tampa after a homeowner looked out their front door to see it peering back inside. This is a truly gargantuan alligator as can be seen on the videos below.
They then documented removal of the alligator in 4 videos shared to TikTok with one of the clips already amassing nearly 3 million views in the first 24 hours. Here is the massive alligator outside the door:
@guigavieira71 When you live in Florida…. You have to expect all kind of guests 🐊… and be so carefull with our babiea 🐶🐶🐶#gators #florida #doglover #morkie
Part 2 is the video that has gone viral. In this one, the animal wrangler wearing a State Alligator Trapper shirt can be seen pulling the gator off the porch. It’s unclear at first just how large the alligator us until it death rolls through the landscaping.
@guigavieira71 So glad Mia waa inside and safe!! 🐊 #gators #florida #doglover
The top comment on that video sums it all up. They wrote “I definitely wasn’t expecting a whole dinosaur to come out.”
In Parts 3 and 4, the alligator is still resisting removal. It was pleased as pie hanging on the porch. As far as the alligator is concerned, that porch was his. Then suddenly he’s being wrapped up and dragged into the street.
In Part 3, the alligator is rolling across the grass. Neighbors have come out to investigate the kerfuffle. In part 4, the alligator gives up. It rolls over like a dog who says “I’m not moving and you can’t move me” as they attempt to get it into a cage.
Alas, they were able to get the alligator successfully into the cage. From there it was relocated to a safe area.
There has been a small-ish alligator poking around the lake behind my house here in Southwest Florida. Approximately 50% of my neighbors have pets. I’ll report back with any updates…