Current:Home > NewsAn alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video. -CapitalSource
An alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video.
View
Date:2025-04-14 15:33:01
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! (885)
Related
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Allan Lichtman shares his 2024 presidential election prediction | The Excerpt
- You may want to think twice before letting your dog jump in leaves this fall
- Mets find more late magic, rallying to stun Phillies in NLDS opener
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Wounded California officer fatally shoots man during ‘unprovoked’ knife attack
- Idaho state senator tells Native American candidate ‘go back where you came from’ in forum
- Fact Checking the Pennsylvania Senate Candidates’ Debate Claims on Energy
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- How Trump credits an immigration chart for saving his life and what the graphic is missing
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Rape survivor and activist sues ex-Michigan State coach Mel Tucker for defamation
- Opinion: KhaDarel Hodge is perfect hero for Falcons in another odds-defying finish
- For small cities across Alabama with Haitian populations, Springfield is a cautionary tale
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Man fatally shoots his 81-year-old wife at a Connecticut nursing home
- Wounded California officer fatally shoots man during ‘unprovoked’ knife attack
- Some perplexed at jury’s mixed verdict in trial for 3 former officers in Tyre Nichols’ death
Recommendation
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
How sugar became sexual and 'sinful' − and why you shouldn't skip dessert
Steven Hurst, who covered world events for The Associated Press, NBC and CNN, has died at 77
Chancellor of Louisiana Delta Community College will resign in June
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Spring Forward
A coal miner killed on the job in West Virginia is the 10th in US this year, surpassing 2023 total
Barbie releases new doll for Diwali to 'celebrate the power and beauty of diversity'