Giant alligator stuns residents at upscale Florida community

Jaw-dropping video captured a ginormous alligator sauntering through an upscale Florida community to the horror of residents.

WINK meteorologist Matt Devitt posted footage on Facebook of the “big boy” waddling across the road at the Forest Glen Golf & Country Club in Naples late last week.

“Dios mio!” a woman is heard saying in Spanish – meaning “My God!”

“Is it really here? It’s gigantic!” another woman cries out about the 10-foot-long roving reptile that turned the neighborhood into a scene out of “Jurassic Park.”

The scaly jaywalker, which apparently arrived from a nearby river, took all the attention in stride as it straddled the manicured lawns of the gated community.


Giant alligator crossing a road in Florida
Residents at the Forest Glen Golf & Country Club in Naples were stunned to see a 10-foot-long alligator crossing a road in their gated community.
WINK News viewer Catalina

Giant alligator crossing a road in Florida
The giant beast apparently arrived from a nearby river.
WINK News viewer Catalina

Giant alligator on a lawn
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Department safely removed the reptile.
WTVJ

Florida is home to some 1.3 million alligators, which can be found in all 67 counties of the Sunshine State.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Department safely removed the beast, which caused no injuries among the residents, NBC Miami reported.

“Forest Glen Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida is a club of distinction for those who desire a community with friendly people, superior golf, quality tennis, pickleball & bocce programs and first rate dining in the serenity of a nature preserve,” the club says on its website.

Residents “enjoy the fitness center with fitness classes offered daily during season, as well as a paved path through the preserve for biking, jogging or simply strolling through the community,” it adds.

While attacks are rare, the agency warns people to be vigilant, especially with regard to gators that measure more than 4 feet and pose a threat to people, pets and property.