Golfers in Central Florida were left stunned when a 13-foot three-legged alligator decided to make an appearance on the green near Oviedo, causing quite a stir among the regular players.
Captured on camera, footage of the massive gator strolling on a walkway before veering off towards a nearby lake went viral. One woman couldn’t hold back her surprise, saying in the video: “I have never seen one this big on the course.”
As she watched from the safety of a golf cart, the alligator hissed at her before plunging into the water.
The fact that this particular alligator is missing a leg only adds to the intrigue, making many wonder about its past encounters. Regardless of its handicap, the alligator seemed unfazed and agile enough as it moseyed over to take a dip.
In Florida, gators enjoy a protected status, which hasn’t always been the case, reports the Mirror US.
The alligator population was once endangered due to excessive hunting and loss of habitat but has bounced back impressively, with over a million now inhabiting the ‘Sunshine State’ thanks to dedicated conservation work. While they are no longer considered endangered and were shifted to the threatened category back in 1977, these creatures remain listed as a species requiring special attention to prevent confusion with the at-risk American crocodile.
In the state of Florida, harming or killing an alligator is classified as a third-degree felony offense. It is equally illegal to capture or possess live alligators or their eggs without a proper alligator trapping or farming license issued by the state authorities.
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