In a story that could only happen in the Sunshine State, a daring alligator was rescued yesterday after curling up next to the wheels of a U.S. Air Force plane in Florida.
The reptile made a surprise appearance at Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base on Earth Day and was captured on video resting under a plane before being pushed away by conservationists.
In images shared by MacDill on his Facebook page, the unexpected visitor can be seen gliding over the runway and slinking near the plane, apparently eyeing it as a prime nesting spot.
It wasn’t long before the alligator made himself comfortable and nestled between the plane’s colossal wheels, making the beast look pock-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.
A daring alligator was rescued yesterday after curling up next to the wheels of a US Air Force plane in Florida.
The reptile made a surprise appearance at Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base on Earth Day and was captured on video resting under a plane before being pushed away by conservationists.
Two officers use their body weight and precise rope techniques to skillfully control the rogue reptile lurking dangerously close to the plane.
MacDill joked that Elvis, an even larger alligator known to frequent the area, pushed the alligator out of his home.
The base thanked FWC for the assistance and added that the alligator had been relocated to a more suitable location.
In an update to his Facebook post, MacDill wrote: ‘Our new toothy airman has been relocated to a more suitable environment off base.
‘Special thanks to FWC for the help. They think Elvis drove this guy away from the house. 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 related to the start of mating season.
With courtship rituals beginning in early April and the height of mating season approaching in May or June, it appears this adventurous alligator was on its own search, looking for a mate or perhaps simply exploring its surroundings.
The unexpected visitor can be seen gliding across the runway and slinking near the plane, apparently considering it a prime nesting spot.
It wasn’t long before the alligator made himself comfortable and nestled between the plane’s colossal wheels, making the beast look pock-sized in comparison.
In a video later shared by MacDill, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officers can be seen springing into action as they carry the alligator to safety.
Two officers use their body weight and precise rope techniques to skillfully control the rogue reptile lurking dangerously close to the plane.
It comes after an 11-foot, 750-pound blind alligator was removed from a home in upstate New York earlier this month.
The 30-year-old alligator, nicknamed Albert, lived in a man’s home on Marie Drive in Hamburg, New York.
According to those responsible for environmental conservation, the man had designed his house to suit the alligator.
Conservation officials alleged that the man, whose identity has not been reported, allowed visitors into the pool to pet the unsecured alligator.
While the man previously had a DEC license for Albert’s possession, the license expired in 2021 and the man did not renew it.