We sometimes poke fun at the Florida man, but we can't help but admire the eight who bravely removed a massive alligator from a southwest Florida road.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Earlier this week, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office shared a video of seven deputies and one skilled trapper lifting a 14-foot, 600-pound alligator off the road.
How Often Are There Alligators on the Road in Florida?
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are an estimated 1.3 million alligators. The agency lists a few rules for coexisting with the reptiles, which are protected by federal and state law. They include never feeding the animals, keeping pets away from the water's edge, and giving the creatures plenty of space.
Alligators aren't limited to the coastline, either. They can be found in any body of freshwater, from lakes to ponds and even drainage ditches. The creatures have been spotted in all 67 counties of the state.
Most alligators stick close to the water and try to avoid the roads. However, there are those rare times when the four-legged creatures can cause problems for Sunshine State drivers.
Because alligators can be faster than they look, motorists are advised to keep their distance and stay in their cars. They will typically clear the area in a few minutes.
What Happened in the Clip?
When the clip begins, the 600-pound beast of an alligator is splayed out on the ground, and, thankfully, its large mouth is taped shut for safety. Several men in uniform squat to pick it up, but more manpower is needed to lift this animal, which weighs over a quarter of a ton.
A few more men join the crew, bringing the total to eight. The tail whipping back and forth initially makes things difficult for the deputies. Somehow, they get the alligator into the bed of a nearby pickup truck.
"This massive guest had plans to stay for the holidays, but we had other ideas," the caption read. "With a wave goodbye, we say, 'See ya later, Alligator!'"
The ginormous creature was then taken to a nearby alligator farm, where it is hoped it will live a long life without harming any Florida men.
You can check out the clip
here.
