Police Remove 6-Foot Alligator Found Wandering Inside Orlando Apartment Hallway
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Residents at a Florida apartment complex got an unexpected visitor this week — a 5- to 6-foot alligator casually making its way down their hallway.
According to a statement from the Orlando Police Department, officers were called to the complex on Lake Debra Drive Tuesday night after residents spotted the reptile lounging outside their doors. “When they arrived, they discovered a five to six-foot alligator in the hallway,” police said.
The department later shared video footage on social media showing officers carefully throwing a blanket over the alligator’s head before dragging it out of the building.
A Calm Capture and Safe Release
Despite the surprise encounter, the police said the situation was handled smoothly. No one — including the gator — was harmed during the removal. “No officers or the alligator were injured,” the department confirmed.
Once subdued, the reptile was safely released back into Lake Mann, a nearby body of water roughly three miles away.
The Orlando Police Department praised officers for their quick thinking and teamwork in removing the unexpected intruder without causing alarm to nearby residents.
Florida’s Frequent Alligator Encounters
While startling, incidents like this are not uncommon in Florida, especially during warmer months when alligators are more active and move between water sources in search of food or mates.
Wildlife experts say the state’s combination of urban development and swampy terrain often leads to encounters in backyards, parking lots, and — in this case — apartment hallways.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the state is home to over 1.3 million alligators, and residents are urged to contact authorities rather than approach the animals themselves if one is spotted in a residential area.
Online Reaction and Police Humor
The Orlando Police Department’s social media post drew plenty of attention and amusement from followers. Many commented on the officers’ calm professionalism, while others joked that the alligator had simply been “looking for a place to rent.”
One user quipped, “Florida: where even your hallway has wildlife,” while another commented, “Glad the gator was evicted without incident!”
The department added a lighthearted note to their post, reminding residents to stay alert but calm in the event of unusual wildlife encounters.
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