Large alligator removed from Pinellas County shopping center parking lot
PALM HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) — An alligator had to be removed from a shopping center in Palm Harbor Thursday.
Video recorded by Rich Jones showed a trapper at the East Lake Woodlands Shopping Center as he worked to get the gator under control.
30 people in custody after police uncover possible trafficking, smuggling ring
According to East Lake Fire Rescue, the reptile got stuck in a pipe near 3438 East Lake Road at 10 a.m.
“Based on the 90 degree turn in the storm pipe, the alligator was unable to go through the pipe and was stuck,” a ELFR statement said. “Crews on scene contacted a trapper to safely remove the alligator. Once the trapper arrived, East Lake Fire crews assisted with storm drain grate removal, so the trapper had direct access to the alligator.”
The alligator was eventually removed at about 11:27 a.m. The trapper told first responders he would be taking the wayward gator to a nearby farm.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
#Large #alligator #removed #Pinellas #County #shopping #center #parking #lot