Florida Deputies Remove 10-Foot Alligator From Sarasota 7-Eleven
SARASOTA, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Sarasota County responded to an unusual call last week when a 10-foot, 3-inch alligator was found loitering inside a local 7-Eleven store on North River Road. The cold-blooded visitor, refusing to make any purchases, prompted authorities to safely remove the large reptile from the premises.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office shared the incident on social media, noting, “Yes… it happened again. Another day, another gator — Sarasota’s really determined to make this a weekly series.” This latest encounter follows closely on the heels of a previous removal of a 14-foot, 600-pound alligator from a nearby roadway just one week earlier.
Florida’s warm climate and abundant wetlands create a natural habitat for alligators, which occasionally wander into urban areas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) frequently advises residents on how to coexist safely with these reptiles and what steps to take when an alligator is spotted in populated zones. The FWC emphasizes that alligators are protected under state law, and only trained professionals should handle their removal.
Incidents like these highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Florida communities balancing wildlife conservation with public safety. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office works closely with the FWC to ensure that alligators are relocated humanely and efficiently. Residents are encouraged to report sightings of alligators in residential or commercial areas to local authorities promptly.
For more information on safely reporting and handling alligator encounters, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides detailed guidance on their official website. Additionally, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office maintains updates on local wildlife incidents and safety tips.
As urban development continues to encroach on natural habitats, such encounters may become more frequent. Authorities urge vigilance and caution, reminding the public never to approach or feed wild alligators.
To learn more about Florida’s alligator management and safety protocols, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For local updates and law enforcement responses, see the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office website. National guidelines on human-wildlife interactions can be found at the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also offers resources on wildlife conservation and management.
While this alligator’s visit to the convenience store was brief and resolved without injury, it serves as a vivid reminder of Florida’s unique wildlife presence and the importance of coexistence strategies.
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