The American marine and licensed trapper from Florida, known on social media as @bluecollar_brawler, had an unusual encounter in Jacksonville when he captured an alligator using only a garbage can… and barefoot!
The incident occurred last Easter Sunday, when the professional alligator hunter abruptly left his family dinner to respond to the call of neighbors alarmed by the presence of the reptile in a residential area.
Without shoes and with great composure, the man managed to place the live animal into the trash can, in front of the astonished gaze and screams of those who witnessed the scene, as can be seen in the video shared on his Instagram account.
"I responded after coming from a Easter dinner with my family and improvised by using a garbage can to remove the alligator from the property. Fortunately, no animals or people were harmed. 'Pay attention to your surroundings!' wrote the trapper on his social media."
Although the feat of this trapper is surprising, it's not the first time a Florida resident has used a garbage container to catch an alligator.
In 2021, Eugene Bozzi, a veteran of the U.S. Army, caught an alligator in his home using a garbage can and then returned it to the water.
In Florida, alligator sightings, while always surprising, are frequent occurrences due to the constant interaction between wildlife and urban areas.
In December, it was reported how a mother caiman crossed a road with her young, presenting an unusual scene that captured the attention of local residents.
Earlier, in July, social media users reported a mass sighting that gathered dozens of alligators in a natural area, reaffirming the abundant presence of these reptiles in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alligator Encounters in Florida
How did the marine manage to capture the alligator in Jacksonville?
The marine used a garbage container to capture the alligator in a residential area of Jacksonville. This action was improvised after receiving calls from concerned neighbors and without causing harm to the animal or the people.
Is it common to find alligators in urban areas of Florida?
Yes, alligator sightings in urban areas of Florida are common due to the constant interaction between wildlife and urban zones. This is a result of the abundance of alligators in the state, with around 1.3 million individuals.
What safety measures should residents take in the presence of alligators?
Residents must maintain a safe distance from alligators and not feed them. It is also important to keep pets away from the water's edge to avoid incidents, especially during mating season.
What to do if you encounter an alligator in a residential area?
The recommendation is to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) by calling their emergency line to have a specialized hunter safely remove the reptile.
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