An alligator has a Sanford neighborhood on alert.
The gator has been spotted near several backyards in the Regency Oaks gated community in Sanford. A neighbor alerted us after taking a picture of the big gator sunbathing in her backyard Tuesday morning.
When we visited the neighborhood Tuesday evening our crews actually saw the gator that is causing all the concern. Right now, the alligator has parents and pet owners on edge.
“I was crazy enough to step out and get closer and as soon as I got closer to it, it jumped in the water and I thought that it was going to chase me but it didn’t chase me. It went in the water and I ran back," said Qiamo Franquiz, a neighbor who initially spotted the alligator.
Florida Fish and Wildlife experts said spring is prime mating season for alligators in Florida, so the reptiles are more active and visible.
Experts also said if anyone sees a gator in their neighborhood, they should avoid that particular area and keep their pets away from the water.
“I’m not the only one with the kids out here and as you saw earlier there were some bike riders," said neighbor Irma Rivera. "They come with their kids and we have lots of dog walkers, and for that alligator to actually come out onto the grass land and it’s in our backyard is a little scary."
Normally, an alligator has to be considered a nuisance before trappers will come out to remove it. That includes if it comes too close to your property for comfort.
“I know I’ll make that call and I won’t take pictures of it this time. Yes I definitely would make that call," Franquiz said.