Florida deputies wrangle, handcuff 7-foot-long alligator near elementary school

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

OLDSMAR, Fla. --Deputies in Florida had to handcuff a rather unusual suspect -- a 7-foot-long alligator.

A crossing guard at a Tampa-area school spotted the gator lounging near an elementary school Monday morning around the time children would be walking to school.

As she and three deputies waited for a trapper to arrive, the alligator started walking toward the children. Three deputies roped the gator’s neck and tail as the animal rolled and thrashed. Its tail broke off chunks of stucco from a nearby wall.

Deputies later secured the gator’s mouth with electrical tape and handcuffed its hind legs. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials took custody of the animal until the trapper arrived.

RELATED REPTILE NEWS:
Zoo Atlanta to receive inspection following escape of a rattlesnake
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! It’s ... 22 baby Komodo dragons?

-- Associated Press

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeffrey Crandall attempts to capture the alligator. Credit: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department / Associated Press