The tale of a giant alligator causing a stir at a U.S. Air Force base in Tampa, Florida, has captured the attention of locals and social media users alike. The massive reptile, measuring 12 feet 3 inches, was unexpectedly found at MacDill Air Force Base and quickly became a local celebrity.
After being safely transferred to Gatorama, an alligator sanctuary in Palmdale, the gator was released into the wild. The base announced the release on Facebook, where they revealed that the alligator had already made some new friends in his new home and had been renamed “MacDill” in honor of his origins.
Videos posted by the base show the colossal reptile crawling off a vehicle and swimming into the water, disappearing entirely from sight. The post attracted nearly 2,500 reactions and over 250 comments, with many users joining in on the fun and joking about the unexpected visitor.
Residents also identified the gator as Elvis, a familiar face that reportedly frequents the base. Alligators are not uncommon at MacDill AFB, as evidenced by a previous incident in April where authorities were seen wrangling another gator on the tarmac.
The release of the alligator back into the wild has sparked both amusement and concern among locals, with many expressing their hope that the creature will be able to live out its life in peace. The unexpected appearance of the giant reptile has certainly left a lasting impression on the community and serves as a reminder of the diverse wildlife that can be found in Florida.
