TAMPA, Fla. — Why did the alligator cross the road? Not sure, but it did cause a scene on the Selmon Expressway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said one of its troopers saved a 9-foot alligator from the busy roadway on Monday with the help of a trapper.
The agency even shared photos of the two posing behind the massive reptile on the shoulder of the Selmon Expressway.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gator courtship begins in early April before mating starts in May and June. Male gators become sexually mature when they reach seven feet in length, FWC says. Females can reach sexual maturity at six feet.
Florida has about 1.3 million alligators throughout the state, FWC adds.
Anyone concerned about a possible nuisance alligator should call the FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
You can find more resources about living with alligators at MyFWC.com/Alligator.
