Current:Home > NewsAn alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video. -OceanicInvest
An alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video.
View
Date:2025-04-13 21:27:45
An alligator spotting in Texas' Brazos River has sparked concerns among nearby residents.
The alligator was seen Sunday by Shelbi Todaro, a resident of Waco, a city about 100 miles south of Dallas. The gator was swimming underneath the suspension bridge at Indian Spring Park. Todaro captured the video of the reptile swimming and posted the videos to Facebook.
Watch the alligator float in the river below.
Todaro told MySA that she spotted the animal while she was running on the sidewalk by the river. She initially thought it was a snapping turtle but discovered it was an alligator upon closer inspection.
"I was really excited," Todaro told USA TODAY. "I love all animals, especially reptiles. I stayed for about an hour and just watched it float along."
'Really lucky':Florida woman bit on head by 9-foot alligator walks away with scratches
Previous spotting
Lerrin Johnson, a Wildlife Public Information Officer at Texas Wildlife Department told USA TODAY that the department's staff believes that, based on size and location, the alligator spotted Sunday is the same one that was seen in the area in September.
"Though they are not commonly seen in the Waco area and do not have a breeding population, it is still on the western edge of the normal range for the American Alligator," said Johnson.
Reptile transported
When the alligator was spotted back in September, city officials had told the Waco Tribune-Herald that it was unlikely the alligator had reached the Brazos River on its own. They believed that someone had probably transported the alligator to the river.
“Based on looking at the head and size of its body parts, that is most likely a wild alligator transported from Louisiana or East Texas and released,” Brian Henley, an animal care supervisor at the Cameron Park Zoo had told the Tribune-Herald.
Henley said that the alligator did not look more than 3 or 4 years old.
'Let the gator be'
City and state game warden officials said they intend to let the alligator be, though they warn the public to avoid harassing or feeding it.
The officer further said that the alligator is "exhibiting normal foraging behavior" and that his office will continue to monitor the reptile's location.
"TPWD does not currently see a need for removal as long as the public steers clear of the alligator and does not harass or feed it," said Johnson.
What to know:Mysterious respiratory dog illness detected in several states
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (6295)
Related
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- US resumes hazardous waste shipments to Michigan landfill from Ohio
- Harris heads to the US-Mexico border to face down criticism of her record
- AP Week in Pictures: Global
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Top Haitian official denounces false claim, repeated by Trump, that immigrants are eating pets
- Former Denver Broncos QB John Elway revealed as Leaf Sheep on 'The Masked Singer'
- Pink Shuts Down Conspiracy Theory About Sean Diddy Combs Connection
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Sophistication of AI-backed operation targeting senator points to future of deepfake schemes
Ranking
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- 2024 People's Choice Country Awards Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look as Stars Arrive
- Lady Gaga uncorks big band classics, her finest moment yet on 'Joker 2' album 'Harlequin'
- Melania Trump calls her husband’s survival of assassination attempts ‘miracles’
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Tori Spelling’s Ex Dean McDermott Says She Was “Robbed” After DWTS Elimination
- Man accused of starting Colorado wildfire while cremating dog: Reports
- Mountain West Conference survives as 7 remaining schools sign agreement to stay in league
Recommendation
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
Glock pistols are popular among criminals because they’re easily modified, report says
Tori Spelling's longtime manager wants '60 Minutes' investigation after 'DWTS' elimination
Chicago White Sox sweep Los Angeles Angels, remain at 120 losses on season
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Selma Blair’s 13-Year-Old Son Arthur Is Her Mini-Me at Paris Fashion Week
NFL bold predictions: Which players, teams will surprise most in Week 4?
Richmond Fed president urges caution on interest rate cuts because inflation isn’t defeated