8-Foot Alligator Caught Swimming in a Pool in Florida; Why Gators Love Water?

A huge alligator was taking a dip in the pool, needing an expert to remove the beast from the water.

Alligator Spotted Enjoying the Swimming Pool

Alligators are making more sightings in public ahead of the mating season. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office recently shared a video of a gator enjoying its solitude in a backyard pool Tuesday. Deputy Robert Santiago and alligator trapper Scott Swartley worked together to capture the gator safely and remove it from the pool.

The duo can be seen in the footage with Santiago holding a rope wrapped around the massive 8-foot reptile while Swartley secures its snout, Fox News reported.

Netizens reacted after seeing the post on Facebook. Several said it was scary. Many also congratulated the pair for doing a great job. They were impressed at the deputy taking the risk to serve and protect the people.

Some joked about Santiago's facial expression because he looked surprised. A few said they would make the same reaction if they were in his position. One said she loved the expression on his face.

More and more alligators have been wrangled lately due to their increasing sightings in public. Last month, a 9-foot alligator was wrangled from the busy street of Howard Avenue near Kathleen Street, just north of Columbus Avenue.

Both gators were considered a nuisance. An alligator has deemed a nuisance when it is at least four feet long and poses a threat to people, pets, or property. Trappers can kill nuisance alligators or sell them to an alligator farm, exhibit, or zoo.

ALSO READ: 8-Foot Cannibal Alligator Caught Eating Smaller Gator in Florida; How Common Is Cannibalism Among Reptiles?

Why Do Alligators Love Water?

According to Now I Wonder, gators live much of their lives in the water. They are either underwater or floating just under the surface. Alligators are great swimmers.

These semi-aquatic reptiles can easily intercept and attack prey, especially in the water. They can remain submerged for long periods as they have special skills to avoid drowning.

Since gators love water, it's common to find them in swimming pools. A different family from Tampa Bay found a 9-foot alligator in their pool one morning. They contacted a professional trapper to help them get rid of the beast. They were lucky that no one chose to dive when the gator was still there enjoying itself underwater.

Although gators can be aggressive, it's not always the case. Many locals in Florida don't mind their presence because, for them, gators are harmless. One needs to keep their distance from the animal.

However, coming close to them is never recommended, even if they appear friendly. Among the things that one should never do is feed them.

A couple from Florida recently raised eyebrows after footage showed them feeding alligators while submerged in chest-deep water. It's illegal to feed alligators in Florida.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discourages people from feeding gators because they can lose their natural wariness and instead associate people with food availability. Feeding them could prompt them to approach people for food, which may lead to dangerous encounters between humans and gators.