Yesterday morning traffic on a Hillsborough County roadway came with a very Florida-style delay when a roughly seven-foot alligator, struck by a vehicle, had to be hauled out of a grassy median while drivers looked on.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a licensed nuisance-alligator contractor stepped in to secure the animal, clearing it from the road so crews could safely manage the scene and check the gator for injuries. Curious motorists pulled over to watch the unusual roadside operation unfold.
The incident happened near Anderson Road and Waters Avenue. Deputies assisted a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission nuisance alligator contractor in the removal, according to Tampa Bay 28.
The contractor told reporters the alligator measured about 7.5 feet and would be monitored for several hours to determine whether it had suffered internal injuries before any decision is made about release. "Sadly, here in Florida, we're in a major drought, and some of the gators are looking for places with water," the contractor said, per Tampa Bay 28.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds residents to never feed or approach alligators and to keep pets away from the water's edge. The agency runs a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program and fields reports at 866ADFWCADGATOR (866AD392AD4286), according to the FWC.
Why gators are moving through neighborhoods
The U.S. Drought Monitor’s map released July 23 (data valid July 21) shows pockets of drought across Florida. The monitoring group notes that drier conditions can push wildlife, including alligators, to travel farther in search of water and to concentrate in developed areas.
How deputies respond
Hillsborough deputies regularly partner with licensed trappers to secure and relocate alligators that turn up in busy spots. Local outlets have aired body-cam footage of deputies and trappers wrangling gators off Tampa-area roadways, illustrating how crews juggle public safety and animal welfare, as reported by FOX 13.
What to do if you see a gator
Officials say to keep your distance, never try to move or feed an alligator, and keep pets leashed and away from ponds or canals. If an alligator appears injured or poses a threat, authorities advise calling 911 so law enforcement can coordinate with the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Program at 866ADFWCADGATOR, per the FWC.
Drivers are also asked to slow down and avoid crowding scenes where wildlife is being handled, so crews have room to work safely. The gator removed Sunday will be observed before any decision is made about returning it to nearby woods.
