Florida deputies capture 10-foot alligator on sidewalk near middle school

LAKELAND, Fla. — Deputies in Central Florida subdued a 10-foot alligator Thursday that was sunning itself on a sidewalk near a middle school, authorities said.

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The gator, which deputies estimated weighed between 700 and 800 pounds, was near Lakeland Highlands Middle School in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Parents called 911 at about 7:40 a.m. after spotting the reptile on the sidewalk near Scott Lake on Thursday morning. Children use the path to walk to the school, The Ledger of Lakeland reported.

In a video shot by the sheriff’s office, the reptile remained passive until the trapper, Doug Payne, put a noose around its neck. At that point, the agitated gator began to thrash and hiss, WTVT reported.

Because alligators are cold-blooded, cooler weather sometimes brings them out of ponds and lakes to sun themselves in an attempt to stay warm, The Ledger reported.

Because the reptile was classified as a “nuisance alligator,” Payne said he took it to a processor, where its meat and hide were harvested.

Deputy Ashtin Mosley recorded the video, which was posted to the sheriff’s office’s Twitter page on Friday.

“And no, she won’t be sporting a new belt and boots next week,” the sheriff’s office tweeted.

Cox Media Group