{"id":221069,"date":"2018-10-13T06:51:59","date_gmt":"2018-10-13T10:51:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-1.tempurl.host\/?p=221069"},"modified":"2019-11-27T01:36:49","modified_gmt":"2019-11-27T06:36:49","slug":"gator-removed-from-ocala-neighborhood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thegraphicgeek.com\/demo-cflwire\/gator-removed-from-ocala-neighborhood\/","title":{"rendered":"Gator Removed From Ocala Neighborhood"},"content":{"rendered":"

OCALA<\/strong> — Residents in the Crystal Lake neighborhood woke up on Friday morning to a new neighbor in their driveway.<\/p>\n

A nine and a half foot alligator made it’s way into a homeowner’s driveway culvert in the residential subdivision of Southeast Ocala.<\/p>\n

The homeowners reported the alligator to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.<\/p>\n

The alligator was safely removed by wildlife officials.<\/p>\n

Wildlife Commission guidelines for nuisance animals say that most alligators under four feet are not a direct threat unless handled, but individuals should report any alligator they deem to be posing a threat to persons, pets or property.<\/p>\n

Officials stated that all Florida residents should be aware that alligators can be anywhere, particularly near brackish or fresh water areas.<\/p>\n

Take caution when swimming by only using designated swimming areas, and avoid swimming in heavily alligator populated waters. Pets should also be kept away from alligators.<\/p>\n

Alligators should be left to be handled by officials as state law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing them.<\/p>\n

Nuisance alligators can be reported to the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR. Wildlife Commission advised that nuisance alligators are killed not relocated due to the potential for harm.