A 7-foot alligator was allegedly chasing people in the parking lot who were trying to make their way inside the stores, according to a Twitter post by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District.
The incident reportedly started in the parking lot of Lehigh Acres Health & Rehab on Lee Blvd. Lee County Sheriff’s Office said that they received several reports of the gator frightening people and sent a unit out to handle the situation.
Wildlife experts said the gator was simply passing through Lee Boulevard trying to make its way from one body of water to another. Deputies chased the gator and their chase even took them across a Wendy’s parking.
Eventually, a trapper was called out to the scene to wrangle the gator and he did so quickly. After that, the reptile was transported from there to a farm in LaBelle.
Florida and Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) have been very proactive at removing gators that could pose a threat to people, pets, or property. They ask that if you have any questions or concerns about an alligator to call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
“When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, officers will dispatch one of their contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation,” NBC reported.