In a surprising incident last week, a Florida resident discovered an alligator hiding under their car. Hearing unusual noises, the resident quickly called for help, prompting the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to respond. Deputies Doherty and Smith arrived at the scene and safely removed the young alligator, relocating it to a more suitable environment. The sheriff's office shared the incident on Facebook, including a photo of a deputy holding the captured alligator with its mouth taped shut. The post generated humorous comments from users, praising the deputies' work. The incident serves as a reminder of the prevalence of alligators in Florida, and authorities advise residents to avoid interacting with these reptiles and instead contact the appropriate authorities if they encounter one posing a safety risk. Small alligators can often be handled by sheriff's deputies, while larger or more problematic ones are typically dealt with by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This incident follows another recent event in Louisiana where a five-foot alligator entered a home through a dog door.

A photo posted by the department shows a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Florida, deputy smiling while she holds up the reptile, whose mouth had been taped. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office)

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Largo, Fla. (Google Maps)