Florida alligator news made headlines again after a 9-foot alligator was safely removed from the grounds of a preschool in Lithia, Florida.
On May 6, Hillsborough County deputies responded to a tense situation outside Fishhawk Early Learning Preschool, just as parents were arriving to pick up their children. According to a statement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the alligator—nicknamed Elvis—was spotted moving near buildings where both students and staff typically walk.
Deputies quickly arrived on the scene, redirecting foot traffic and ensuring the safety of everyone on-site until a professional trapper could secure the reptile.
Verified Response by Local Deputies
Florida Alligator News: The officers assisted in the careful capture of the large gator, ultimately helping the trapper roll Elvis onto his back and guide him into a truck bed using a wooden board. A woman, not officially identified, also helped with the process.
The HCSO later shared a video of the incident on its official Facebook page, showing the coordinated effort to relocate the alligator safely. Their post concluded with humor: “Thanks to quick action and teamwork, this king of the (swamp) jungle was safely removed.”
Voices from the Community React
Florida Alligator News: Residents familiar with the gator expressed sadness online. One neighbor commented, “I live across the street. He’s been here for years and is missing a foot—we know it’s him. I really hope he was relocated, not put down.”
Another added, “It’s heartbreaking Elvis is gone. People need to stop feeding these animals and just let them be—especially when they aren’t causing harm.”
Though Florida alligator news often sparks mixed emotions, this story highlights both the importance of safety and the community’s connection to its wildlife.
Attempts to contact the HCSO and Fishhawk Early Learning Preschool for further comment on May 10 have not yet received a response.
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Source: www.people.com
