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Five-foot alligator spotted swimming near beachgoers along Florida island shore
Officials say the five-foot reptile later walked the sand, and wildlife experts note alligators sometimes enter saltwater to shed leeches.
- On Friday, a five-foot alligator was seen swimming off Sanibel Island, Florida, while beachgoers remained in the water. Video captured the reptile with its head above the surface near swimmers.
- Herpetologist Chris Lechowicz with the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation confirmed the sighting, explaining that alligators venture into saltwater to remove leeches from their skin.
- Beach visitors reacted with caution to the sighting. William Mills said he would "start zigzagging" if chased, while Samantha Inerfeld noted, "I think I would be a little scared, but it is Florida, and there are alligators."
- Mills emphasized, "If you see an alligator, just stay away from them and do not approach him." The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation reminds the public that feeding alligators is illegal.
- Inerfeld reflected on the area's wildlife diversity, saying, "We've seen bobcat crossings and all these different animals that are here. So it's just part of the, the, you know what makes this all beautiful.
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