8-Foot Alligator Found In Florida Backyard Sparks Late-Night Rescue

Deputies responded to a homeowner’s call on September 10 after a large alligator was reported in a residential backyard.

The animal was initially estimated at 4 to 5 feet, and deputies tried to move it to a pond across the street. One deputy said, “This is a job for a trapper.”

A licensed trapper was called to handle the animal. Body-camera footage shows deputies surrounding the alligator as it hissed and snapped its tail in the grass near a house and basketball hoop.

The trapper later pinned and tied the alligator while deputies held lights and helped haul it away. Once secured, the animal was measured at 8 feet 4 inches.

The alligator was taken to an alligator farm in Sebring. No injuries were reported.