Current:Home > InvestAn alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video. -Ascend Wealth Education
An alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video.
View
Date:2025-04-15 18:02:10
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 sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (9557)
Related
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders military to thoroughly annihilate U.S. if provoked, state media say
- Haliburton gets help from Indiana’s reserves as Pacers win 122-113, end Bucks’ home win streak
- Hack, rizz, slay and other cringe-worthy words to avoid in 2024
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Green Day changes lyrics to shade Donald Trump during TV performance: Watch
- Last-of-its-kind College Football Playoff arrives with murky future on horizon
- NOAA detects largest solar flare since 2017: What are they and what threats do they pose?
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- What restaurants are open New Year's Day 2024? Details on McDonald's, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Taylor Swift dethrones Elvis Presley as solo artist with most weeks atop Billboard 200 chart
- A missing person with no memory: How investigators solved the cold case of Seven Doe
- Michigan beats Alabama 27-20 in overtime on Blake Corum’s TD run to reach national title game
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Brazil’s economy improves during President Lula’s first year back, but a political divide remains
- Fighting in southern Gaza city after Israel says it is pulling thousands of troops from other areas
- Thai prime minister says visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to be made permanent in March
Recommendation
Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
4 ways AI can help with climate change, from detecting methane to preventing fires
Golden Knights dress as Elvis, Kraken go fishing for Winter Classic outfits
How to get the most out of your library
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Access to busy NYC airport’s international terminal restricted due to pro-Palestinian protest
Horoscopes Today, December 31, 2023
Stock market today: Asian markets are mixed on the first trading day of 2024