11-Foot Alligator Blocks Road, Causes Traffic Jam in Florida on a Rush Hour

It is no surprise that Florida has become a home to alligators since the state accounts for 20% of the wetlands in the lower 48 states. Alligators have become more visible to residents, even visiting them at their homes amid the mating season.

However, a recent incident involving an alligator happened on a highway in Florida during a rush hour. The gator crossed the road and caused traffic for almost an hour. Authorities were called to solve the problem and relocate it to a safe place.

Moving Speed Bump Most Likely Came From Lake Jesup

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office told CNN that a behemoth 11-foot alligator wandered onto State Road 417 on Wednesday morning, April 27. The "moving speed bump" likely came from the gator-populate Lake Jesup, says sheriff's office public administrator Bob Kealing.

Lake Jesup is in the center of Seminole County and is one of the largest lakes in central Florida. The sheriff's office thanked their LEO partners via a Twitter post for informing them of the 11-foot alligator strolling out of the lake and into the highway that caused quite a traffic jam.

Kealing told the news outlet that the alligator blocked the highway during the rush hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. local time and that it was unusual for alligators to block this part of the road in Seminole County. But given the time of the year, it is understandable that alligators are on the move for the mating season.

Authorities were immediately informed and successfully moved the massive predator out of the road by 9 a.m. Staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said that the animal had been relocated to a safe place.

ALSO READ: 12-Foot Alligator Attacks Photographer's Camera, Another 8-Foot Gator Crashes Birthday Party in Florida

What to Do When There is An Alligator Crossing the Road?

Kealing advised the public, especially the motorists, to always call 911 if they encounter an alligator on the road. "Those are significant beasts, they can cause significant damage if you don't see one and run over them," CNN quoted him.

Since Florida is home to alligators, experts remind everyone to be vigilant while driving in areas where these animals could suddenly appear. A website called Get Jerry listed steps on what to do when there is an alligator crossing the road:

1. Do not panic.
2. Slow down when approaching the alligator. They usually don't pay attention and will carry on their way.
3. Try to go around it if the animal stops in front. But make sure to yield to traffic from the other side of the road.
4. Contact animal control.

What To Do If You Have Hit An Alligator on the Road?

The good rule of thumb in dealing with alligators on the road is to always keep a safe distance. Never approach them even if they might look harmless. Instead, let professionals handle these wild animals. The website Drive Safely has also listed some tips on what to do in case you hit an alligator on the road:

• Take a quick glance under the vehicle and get a better look if there is an alligator.
• When on the road, always look out for potential alligator pedestrians. Yield to the animal to avoid severe damage to the vehicle and the animal.
• Pullover if you hit an alligator but never get out of the car unless authorities or a professional has arrived.
• Call the authorities and inform them of your situation. It will also be helpful to call your insurance in case of damages to your vehicle.

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