Talk about a quintessential “only in Florida” moment—and right in Polk County’s backyard, no less!
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office shared that photo of Deputy Angulo holding down a large alligator like he was casually breaking in a horse.
The Details
- The Posture: Deputy Angulo was pictured fully mounted on the alligator’s back to keep it pinned.
- The Style Points: He managed to keep the gator’s snout clamped shut with one hand while effortlessly holding his cowboy hat in the other.
- The Waiting Game: He stayed in that exact position, holding the reptile steady, until a licensed nuisance alligator trapper from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) arrived to officially take over.
Why Are They So Active Right Now?
If it feels like there have been a lot of wayward gators making headlines recently, it’s not your imagination. According to the FWC, alligator courtship begins in April, followed by peak mating season in May and June. Because of this, mature gators (especially males) are constantly on the move looking for love, which frequently lands them in residential neighborhoods, construction sites, and roadways.
FWC Safety Reminder
With gator activity at its seasonal high, the FWC reminds everyone to:
- Keep your distance and never, under any circumstances, feed an alligator (it teaches them to associate humans with food).
- Swim only during daylight hours and only in designated swimming areas, as gators are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Keep pets on a leash and completely away from the water’s edge of fresh or brackish water.
If you ever spot a gator that poses a threat to people, pets, or property, you can call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) to get a professional trapper sent out—though there’s no guarantee they’ll bring a cowboy hat!