In a story that could only happen in the Sunshine State, a daring alligator was brought to safety after cowering against the wheels of a US Air Force plane in Florida yesterday.
The reptile made a surprise appearance at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa on Earth Day and was captured on video resting under a plane before being shoved by conservationists.
In footage shared by MacDill on their Facebook page, the unexpected visitor can be seen slipping onto the tarmac and sneaking close to the plane, apparently viewing it as a prime nesting spot.
It wasn’t long before the alligator made himself comfortable and nestled between the colossal wheels of the plane, making the beast look small in comparison.
In a video later shared by MacDill, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officers can be seen springing into action as they lead the alligator to safety.
A bold alligator was brought to safety after huddling against the wheels of a US Air Force plane in Florida yesterday.
The reptile made a surprise appearance at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa on Earth Day and was captured on video resting under a plane before being shoved by conservationists.
Two officers use their body weight and precise techniques with the use of ropes to skillfully subdue the wayward reptile as it hides dangerously close to the plane.
MacDill joked that the alligator was pushed out of his home by Elvis, an even larger alligator known to frequent the area.
The base thanked FWC for its assistance and added that the alligator had been moved to a more appropriate location.
In an update to his Facebook post, MacDill wrote: “Our new, toothy Airman has been transferred to a more appropriate environment off base.
“Special thanks to FWC for the help. They think Elvis pushed this guy away from home. Great captions below! Happy Earth Day!’
They added: “UPDATE: The alligator is now in the Hillsborough River. »
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the timing of the alligator’s unexpected excursion may be linked to the start of mating season.
With courtship rituals beginning in early April and the peak of mating season looming in May or June, it appears this adventurous alligator was out on a quest on its own, looking for a mate or perhaps just exploring its surroundings.
The unexpected visitor can be seen crawling across the tarmac and sneaking near the plane, apparently viewing it as a favored nesting spot.
It didn’t take long for the alligator to get comfortable and snuggle between the plane’s colossal wheels, making the beast look pocket-sized in comparison.
In a video later shared by MacDill, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officers can be seen springing into action as they lead the alligator to safety.
Two officers use their body weight and precise techniques with the use of ropes to skillfully subdue the wayward reptile as it hides dangerously close to the plane.
This comes after an 11-foot, 750-pound blind alligator was removed from an upstate New York home earlier this month.
The 30-year-old alligator, nicknamed Albert, lived in a man’s house on Marie Drive in Hamburg, New York.
According to conservation officers, the man designed his house after the alligator.
Conservation officers alleged the man, whose identity has not been released, allowed visitors into the pool to pet the unsecured alligator.
Although the man previously had a DEC permit for possession of Albert, the permit expired in 2021 and the man did not renew it.
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