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Florida Shoppers Stunned as Enormous Gator Captured at Mall Entrance

Shoppers witnessed the capture of a massive alligator from a pond by the entrance of the Coconut Point Mall. Swift action by deputies and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers ensured the safe resolution of the scaly intrusion.

By Beth Snider · December 24, 2023

Giant Alligator Captured at Florida Mall Facebook Screenshot / Lee County Sheriff's Office

Holiday patrons at a mall in Estero, Florida were treated to an unexpected spectacle when a colossal 12-foot, 600-pound alligator decided to make an appearance. As the news spread, curiosity gripped the community, as a short video posted on the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page showed the collaborative efforts of deputies and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) agents as they worked together to capture the massive gator. The footage captured the daring feat of at least six individuals struggling to lift and carry the formidable reptile to a waiting vehicle.

In a tongue-in-cheek statement, the sheriff’s office highlighted the adventurous nature of law enforcement in Lee County, stating, “There truly is never a dull moment while on patrol here in Lee County, eh? If you’re chompin’ at the bit to get into law enforcement, we promise excitement and a great workout here.”

To put the astounding size of the alligator into perspective, the LCSO referenced the FWC’s information, noting that the state record for the length of an American alligator stands at 14 feet, 3.5 inches. This record was achieved by a male gator pulled from Lake Washington in Brevard County.

Following the capture, the authorities assured concerned onlookers that the massive gator would be relocated to safer waterways. The decision to move the reptile aims to prevent any potential risks to both the public and the alligator itself. The incident prompted humor, with the sheriff’s office playfully suggesting that the gator might have been attempting to take a bite out of its Christmas shopping list.