A Saturday morning 911 call about a roughly 5-foot alligator outside an Orlando apartment complex turned out to be a serious underestimation when responding deputies discovered the reptile actually measured more than 11 feet. Orange County Sheriff's deputies secured the area and, with help from licensed nuisance alligator trappers, captured and removed the animal without any reported injuries, leaving neighbors rattled but physically unharmed.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, deputies were initially told they were dealing with a gator about 5 feet long, but measured it at more than 11 feet once on scene. The station, citing the Orange County Sheriff's Office, reports that licensed trappers worked alongside deputies to safely secure and relocate the alligator. Officials told the outlet there were no injuries and the situation was cleared without further incident.
How nuisance gator calls are handled
Florida's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program relies on contracted nuisance alligator trappers to remove animals that pose a threat in developed areas, while local law enforcement typically focuses on securing the scene. The agency explains that residents should call its toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline to request removal and that trappers operate under permits issued through the program, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These contracted trappers are usually the ones who relocate or otherwise handle the problem animals once the immediate area is made safe.
Why gators turn up near homes in spring
"Courtship begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June," the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes. That seasonal spike in movement often brings alligators into retention ponds, back yards, and apartment complexes as they search for mates or new territory. Rising temperatures also boost gators' metabolism and activity levels, which in turn increases the odds of close encounters around neighborhoods.
What residents should do
The sheriff's office told FOX 35 Orlando there were no injuries during the removal. Officials advise residents to keep pets leashed, stay away from the water's edge, and never feed wildlife. If an animal appears to pose an immediate danger, authorities say to call 911. For non-emergencies involving alligators, Florida's nuisance alligator hotline is 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), which will dispatch a contracted trapper.
