Current:Home > ScamsAn alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video. -ProgressCapital
An alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video.
View
Date:2025-04-17 14:33:43
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! (89)
Related
- Tony Hawk drops in on Paris skateboarding and pushes for more styles of sport in LA 2028
- U.S. sets plans to protect endangered whales near offshore wind farms; firms swap wind leases
- After Dylan Mulvaney controversy, Bud Light aims for comeback this Super Bowl
- Kylie Jenner & Jordyn Woods’ Fashion Week Exchange Proves They’re Totally Friends Again
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Kentucky House passes crime bill with tougher sentences, including three-strikes penalty
- DNA from 10,000-year-old chewing gum sheds light on teens' Stone Age menu and oral health: It must have hurt
- How niche brands got into your local supermarket
- Sam Taylor
- Man denied bail in Massachusetts crash that killed officer and utility worker
Ranking
- Carolinas bracing for second landfall from Tropical Storm Debby: Live updates
- Levi’s to slash its global workforce by up to 15% as part of a 2-year restructuring plan
- Middle school students return to class for the 1st time since Iowa school shooting
- Seattle officer who said Indian woman fatally struck by police SUV had limited value may face discipline
- NCAA hits former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with suspension, show-cause for recruiting violations
- Death penalty charges dismissed against man accused of killing Indianapolis officer
- New coach Jim Harbaugh will have the Chargers in a Super Bowl sooner than you think
- SAG-AFTRA defends Alec Baldwin as he faces a new charge in the 'Rust' fatal shooting
Recommendation
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Teen murder suspect still on the run after fleeing from Philadelphia hospital
Vermont State Police investigate the shooting of a woman found dead in a vehicle in St. Johnsbury
WWE's Vince McMahon accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former employee. Here are 5 lawsuit details.
Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. The Spanish translation was no bueno
School choice measure will reach Kentucky’s November ballot, key lawmaker predicts
Tennessee GOP leaders see no issue with state’s voting-rights restoration system
Crystal Hefner Admits She Never Was in Love With Hugh Hefner