Deputies Rescue Gator From Storm Drain

Pinellas County deputies were called out a Seminole residence to rescue an alligator from a storm drain.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at 5:19 p.m. Friday at 117th Drive North and 101 Street in Seminole.

Deputies assigned to the Patrol Central District responded to the residence after receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting an alligator stuck in the storm drain. The witness told deputies that someone pushed the alligator further down the drain in order to prevent it from crossing the street and getting hit by a car.

When deputies arrived on scene, they opened the manhole cover and discovered the alligator inside wedged between a pipe and the edge of the drain (see above). The deputies initially used a dog leash to close the alligator’s mouth, and then duct taped it. Next, using the same leash, they lassoed the alligator behind its front legs and hoisted it up and out of the drain.

Personnel from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to take possession of the alligator.

Deputies say the seven-foot female alligator will be transferred to an alligator farm.