Alligator Captured Near Southwest Ranches Schools
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SOUTHWEST RANCHES (CBSMiami) -- Dealing with gators is nothing new for Davie Police officers but Wednesday's capture marks their biggest catch yet, they say.
An 11 ft, 450 lb. alligator was spotted near the canal along Bonaventure Blvd and Griffin Road, near a bike trail frequently traversed by adults and children, alike.
"Probably the largest alligator that I've encountered out on the roadways," said Ofc. Anthony Berardo. "And actually, in Davie, in my 19 years experience with the road patrol."
Ariel Gonzalez first saw the massive reptile and called 911.
"I was shocked, I was literally shocked," said Gonzalez. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing."
He spotted the gator along the bank of the canal, afraid for all the people who use the path above the canal for jogging, horse-back riding and fishing.
"I send my kids with the golf cart here, with their fishing rods," Gonzalez said. "I'll never do that again!"
The canal where the gator was caught is close to Falcon Cove Middle School and Cypress Bay High School. Maybe a little too close for comfort.
"Colossal, that's the first thing that came to my mind was colossal," said high school student Richard Leon. "Prehistoric. Something massive and crazy. Kinda scary but at least they caught it."
Parents couldn't help but think of the gator attack on a toddler, earlier this year, at a Walt Disney World resort.
"It's very dangerous and it's very scary," said Sandra Fagan. "Unfortunately with kids, sometimes they're not aware of the dangers and they're just walking around. Sometimes they're on their phone and they're not paying attention."
After some twists and turns from a grumpy gator, and with the help of the Davie PD, a trapper was finally able to subdue the animal.
"It's a one-of-a-kind call. And it took a great team effort and we're able to save some lives, hopefully," said Ofc. D. Perez.