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VIDEO: Hiker spots huge alligator crossing trail in Polk County
A hiker spotted a huge alligator crossing a trail earlier this month and captured the enormous reptile on video
LAKELAND, Fla. - Why did the alligator cross the trail? To get to the other side, we think!
Eamonn Molloy was hiking along a trail in the Circle B Preserve in Lakeland, Florida when a huge alligator decided to cross the trail right in front of him. It happened on Sept. 5, Molloy told FOX 35 in a Facebook message.
As Molloy was walking – and recording – the huge gator casually – and confidently -- walked across the trail to the other side.
Molloy said he wants people to know that alligators are misunderstood. "They are not as aggressive as people think," he said in a message.
Alligators can be found throughout Florida – in all 67 counties – in lakes, rivers, ponds, swamps, and marches, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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VIDEO: Watch baby alligators hatch, and chirp for mom
Watch as baby alligators hatch from their eggs and 'chirp' for mom. The gators were recently born at Gatorland Orlando.
Just three days ago, an alligator mom in Lakeland was captured on video using her three legs to maneuver through bushes while carrying her babies to the water.
According to National Geographic, for these reptile mothers, it's not uncommon for them to place their young ones in their mouths and transport them to another location. Their instincts tell them not to shut their jaw completely.
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Drone captures moment alligator attacks swimmer in Florida lake
For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. This attack, along the shoreline of Lake Thonotosassa in Hillsborough County, was actually captured on video by drone hovering above the lake. JC Defeats was rushed to Tampa General Hospital after a gator bit down on his head. Doctors performed a craniectomy, or surgery to remove a portion of his skull.
It's a matter of coexisting with alligators, the FWC says on its website. They do have a few safety tips: never feed an alligator, keep your distance, keep pets away from the edge of lakes, swamps, and other water, a swim is designated areas during daylight.
Anyone who is concerned about a gator can call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).