Creepy foot seen under door was alligator hiding at Florida sheriff’s car impound lot

An observant employee of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in Florida saw a strange foot under a door, leading to the discovery of an alligator hiding on government property.

It happened at a vehicle impound lot in the Port Charlotte area, about 90 miles south of Tampa after the sheriff’s office said the “crafty” alligator managed to climb a 10-foot fence.

“One of our evidence techs saw its foot under a door and recognized what it was immediately,” the sheriff’s office reported June 9. “His warning to you is ‘watch your step’.”

Photos shared on Facebook show the resourceful alligator was later seen “patrolling” among the lot’s derelict vehicles.

A call to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission resulted in the 6-foot-4-inches gator being captured and removed by a licensed trapper.

It’s suspected the intrusion is connected to mating season. May and June are considered the height of the season for Florida’s alligators, which are known to top 14 feet.

“Alligators are often in odd places as they move to various bodies of water and to reproduce,” the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office Facebook post has gotten hundreds of reactions, including suggestions the department keep the alligator to guard the lot. Many were surprised a 6-foot gator topped a 10-foot fence.

“Junk yard gator?” Ellen N Eric Knorr wrote.

“Climbed? Vertically? Up a 10’ fence?” Diana Christine asked.

“He was just trying to get his car back,” Lisa Eubank posted.

This story was originally published June 10, 2022 at 6:34 AM with the headline "Creepy foot seen under door was alligator hiding at Florida sheriff’s car impound lot."