Massive alligator spotted in Florida

Residuals from Hurricane Irma may have created the perfect environment for an alligator sighting in Florida.

A massive alligator was spotted on a golf course in Naples, Florida, and at 12 feet long and 750 pounds, it's one of the largest alligators officials have ever seen in the state.

The alligator was photographed by a guest at the golf course, and although officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were not able to immediately verify the photograph, they say that alligators of this size are not uncommon in Florida.

"We get reports of large gators throughout the state, but certainly ones of this size are rare," said FWC spokesman Robert Klepper. "There is no telling how long this gator has been living on the golf course."

Biologists believe that alligators over 10 feet in length are usually at least 50 years old, so it's possible that this particular gator has been living on the golf course since it opened in 1983.

While there is no immediate danger to humans, as alligators usually avoid contact with people, FWC advises people to use caution and keep their distance if they encounter an alligator of this size.

Officials warn residents to be on lookout for alligators

As Spring arrives, so do alligators! Officials are asking residents in certain parts of the state to be on lookout for alligators as they sun and swim near residential areas.

It is important to remember that alligators are not necessarily aggressive animals, but they should never be approached. If you see an alligator in your neighborhood, please remember to contact local authorities.

In order to avoid any potentially dangerous situation with an alligator, it is important to remember the following tips:

-Do not feed alligators, as this will make them more likely to approach people.

-Alligators can be dangerous, particularly if they feel threatened. Do not attempt to approach or interact with an alligator if you see one near your home or property.

-If an alligator is seen on your property or in a nearby body of water, please call nuisance wildlife control immediately. They will be able to safely remove the animal from the area.

Alligator captured after roaming residential neighborhood

Residents in a Tallahassee neighborhood were alarmed this week when an alligator was spotted roaming around in a residential area. The alligator was finally captured by a trapper on Wednesday after being on the loose for several days.

One resident, Lucille Kaiser, said she saw the alligator crossing the street in front of her home. "We've never seen anything like this before," she said. "It was very scary."

City officials said they were not sure how the alligator ended up in the residential neighborhood, but they speculated that it may have been released from a nearby farm or nature preserve.

The alligator was captured without incident and is now being held at a local zoo. Officials said they are still trying to determine what to do with the alligator.

Man bitten by alligator while walking his dog

A man out for a walk with his dog in Florida was bitten by an alligator on Monday.

The alligator, estimated to be about 8 feet long, bit the man on the foot, according to officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

His dog was not injured.

Wildlife officers captured the alligator and euthanized it.

Woman attacked by alligator while swimming in creek

A woman was attacked by an alligator while swimming in a creek in Orange County, Florida. The alligator bit the woman on her arm and she was able to free herself and escape.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials captured and killed the alligator. The woman was treated for her injuries at a local hospital.

This is the latest in a series of alligator attacks in Florida. In June, an 83-year-old man was killed by an alligator while walking his dog near a lake in Davie, Florida. In May, a 2-year-old boy was killed by an alligator at a Disney World resort.

Alligators are common in Florida waterways and often attack humans who venture too close. Swimmers and boaters should use caution when in areas where alligators may be present.