An alligator briefly turned the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office in Tampa into a wildlife sideshow on Tuesday morning, according to deputies in Hillsborough County.
The sheriff's office said deputies and a licensed trapper responded to the scene, safely removed the animal and reported no injuries. The agency later posted about the encounter on social media, brushing it off as "Another Day in Florida."
What officials said
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office wrote that deputies and a licensed trapper responded to the elections office and removed the gator without incident, as posted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on X.
The post described the reptile as "just chillin', layin' in the grass" outside the building and confirmed there were no injuries. Deputies cleared the scene and officials said normal activity at the elections office was not disrupted.
Why gators may be out
Warm, soggy weather and the start of spring courtship can push alligators out of marshes and into yards and parking lots, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes.
According to the agency, courtship begins in early April and mating typically occurs in May and June, which makes reptiles more active and more likely to wander into developed areas. The commission also warns that feeding or approaching alligators encourages them to lose their natural wariness of people.
Other recent encounters
This was one of several recent calls in Hillsborough County. Earlier this month a jogger reported a nearly 10 foot alligator near a Seffner school bus stop, and local crews were called to remove an eight foot gator from a Bloomingdale yard.
Nearly 10 foot gator near a Seffner school bus stop and WPTV reported those responses, underscoring how often deputies and contracted trappers answer nuisance gator calls. Local responders say quick reporting helps keep people and pets safe.
How to stay safe
If you spot an alligator, officials advise keeping a safe distance, keeping pets on a leash and not attempting to move or feed the animal. Instead, people should contact the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program or call 866 FWC GATOR.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says contracted nuisance trappers are dispatched to remove animals that pose a risk, and that reporting sightings promptly can speed up response times.
Hillsborough deputies said the scene outside the elections office was cleared quickly and officials encouraged residents to remain cautious as spring weather brings increased alligator activity to populated parts of the county.
