Recess at a Florida elementary school was interrupted when a small alligator was discovered hanging out on the school’s playground.
The gator paid the Everglades Elementary School a visit on Wednesday, as documented on the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
“Although the mascot at Everglades Elementary School is an alligator, he can’t be on the playground, and that’s exactly where Deputy Greis found him going…The 4 ½’ gator was safely relocated down to Nubbin’s Slough to play with those of his own kind” the post stated.
Nubbin’s Slough is about 11 miles away from the school. While it is unclear how the officers transported the gator, one photo on Facebook shows an officer holding the animal in front of the school. In contrast, another shows an officer holding the animal moments before it’s released into the water.
Florida is home to roughly 1.25 million alligators and unfortunately, the animals do commonly find themselves in human spaces. According to a 2018 Tampa Bay Times write-up, there are nearly 10 alligator attacks per year. With the states increasing population and redevelopment of land near alligator habitats, it’s not much of a surprise to come face to face with one of the scary reptiles.
