Police officers from the Orange County Sheriff's Department in Florida were taken aback last Friday when they responded to a 911 call reporting a five-foot alligator wandering near an apartment complex. To their surprise, they encountered a colossal reptile stretching over 11 feet, more than twice the anticipated size.
The nighttime incident unfolded in an urban area of Orange County within the Orlando metropolitan region, and it concluded safely with no injuries or harm to people or pets. The successful operation was a coordinated effort between the officers and state-authorized trappers.
"Imagine their surprise when they discovered the alligator was over 11 feet long!" the department shared on their social media, highlighting that the massive size of the creature did not deter their officers. With the help of the trappers, they managed to safely relocate the reptile.
Four to five uniformed officers were involved in the capture, which was executed using a snare and control pole before the alligator was transported to a secure location.
Alligator Season Heightens in Florida
This sighting is far from unusual. Florida is currently in the midst of alligator mating season, starting in early April and lasting until June. During this time, male alligators become more active and territorial, often venturing into residential areas in search of a mate.
Just two weeks prior to this event, another enormous alligator had roamed through a residential neighborhood in Florida during the same season, illustrating the frequency with which these reptiles enter urban areas come springtime.
Florida's Vast Alligator Population
Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million American alligators, ranking second in the United States only after Louisiana.
In preceding months, there have been similarly remarkable incidents: a giant alligator attempted to enter a home in Collier County in October 2025, while another, approximately 14 feet long, forced the closure of a water area in Ocala National Forest in May of that year due to aggressive behavior.
Guidance from the Florida Wildlife Commission
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises maintaining a safe distance from any alligator sightings and recommends calling the toll-free line 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) for a certified trapper to handle the situation.
The FWC also warns that feeding an alligator in Florida is illegal and dangerous. "Feeding them can cause alligators to lose their natural fear and associate humans with food availability, creating potentially hazardous situations for you and others who might encounter the alligator in the future," according to the FWC.
Alligator Safety and Awareness in Florida
Why are alligators more active in Florida during certain months?
Alligators become more active in Florida from April to June due to the mating season. Males, in particular, become more territorial and move into residential areas searching for mates.
What should you do if you encounter an alligator?
It is advised to maintain a safe distance from alligators and contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 866-FWC-GATOR for assistance from a certified trapper.
Is it illegal to feed alligators in Florida?
Yes, feeding alligators is illegal in Florida as it can cause them to associate humans with food, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters.