Florida’s ongoing alligator encounters took another dramatic turn this week as Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies captured a massive reptile lurking outside a 7-Eleven in Venice. The 10-foot gator wandered into the parking lot along North River Road, startling customers and prompting immediate calls to authorities.

Deputies arrived quickly, securing the area and ensuring no bystanders came close. Wildlife officers were able to restrain the alligator safely before relocating it unharmed to a more suitable habitat. The Sheriff’s Office injected some humor into the incident, joking that these gator calls are becoming a weekly series—because, in Florida, they nearly are.

The encounter comes just days after deputies handled an even larger alligator nearby: a colossal 14-foot, 600-pound giant recorded on December 2, the third-largest in Florida’s history. With an estimated 1.3 million wild alligators across the state, sightings and surprise visits are not uncommon, especially during cooler months when the animals wander into urban areas in search of food or warmth.

Officials continue to urge residents and visitors to keep their distance and contact authorities or licensed trappers when a gator appears. While these encounters make for viral moments and light-hearted social media posts, Florida’s alligators remain powerful, unpredictable wildlife.

Thanks to the swift response of Sarasota County deputies, another potentially dangerous situation was resolved safely—and with a little Florida humor along the way. See you later, alligator.