Seffner, Florida – A 9-foot, 9-inch alligator caused concern Thursday morning after wandering near a school bus pickup site on East Wheeler Road.

Video footage from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shows deputies arriving in a quiet suburban neighborhood under clear skies. A dark green alligator lay partially hidden near a white fence and trash bins as officers assessed the situation. One deputy remarked, “The gator’s definitely here” and “It’s a pretty decent sized gator too.”

Authorities coordinated with a licensed trapper, who used a long snare to secure the reptile. The alligator thrashed and hissed as it was restrained, but the team successfully subdued and removed it without incident.

The sighting came after a nearby runner alerted officials, ensuring the alligator was captured safely. No injuries were reported during the unusual wildlife encounter.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the incident as an example of the unpredictable nature of local calls, promoting readiness for service in diverse situations.

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