Current:Home > NewsAn alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video. -MomentumProfit Zone
An alligator was spotted floating along Texas' Brazos River. Watch the video.
View
Date:2025-04-14 13:19:38
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! (291)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- DeSantis, longtime opponent of state spending on stadiums, allocates $8 million for Inter Miami
- Investigator says ‘fraudulent’ gift to Florida’s only public historically Black university is void
- It Ends With Us' Justin Baldoni Praises Smart and Creative Costar Blake Lively
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword, Get Moving! (Freestyle)
- Chi Chi Rodriguez, Hall of Fame golfer known for antics on the greens, dies at 88
- Ohio woman claims she saw a Virgin Mary statue miracle, local reverend skeptical
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- US women’s volleyball prevailed in a 5-set ‘dogfight’ vs. Brazil to play for Olympic gold
Ranking
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- See first look at Travis Kelce hosting 'Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?'
- COVID-stricken Noah Lyles collapses after getting bronze, one of 8 US medals at Olympic track
- 2024 Olympics: Canadian Pole Vaulter Alysha Newman Twerks After Winning Medal
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- St. Vincent channels something primal playing live music: ‘It’s kind of an exorcism for me’
- Handlers help raise half-sister patas monkeys born weeks apart at an upstate New York zoo
- 3 Denver officers fired for joking about going to migrant shelters for target practice
Recommendation
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
Sighting of alligator swimming off shore of Lake Erie prompts Pennsylvania search
2024 Olympics: Runner Noah Lyles Says This Will Be the End of His Competing After COVID Diagnosis
Huge California wildfire chews through timber in very hot and dry weather
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Ferguson marks 10 years since Michael Brown’s death. While there’s some progress, challenges persist
Kate Spade Outlet’s up to 75% off, Which Means Chic $79 Crossbodies, $35 Wristlets & More
Nick Viall Fiercely Defends Rachel Lindsay Against “Loser” Ex Bryan Abasolo