TAMPA, Fla. – An unexpected visitor found his way onto the tarmac at MacDill Air Force Base yesterday, prompting a swift response from Florida Fish and Wildlife authorities. After crawling out of a nearby marsh, the nearly 10-foot alligator promptly did what gators do…. found a nice cool spot to get out of the hot Florida sun. Unfortunately for the busy airmen at the base, the gator apparently claimed “squatter’s rights” in front of the landing gear of a huge KC-135 tanker aircraft.
Video footage shared on MacDill’s Facebook page captured the moment Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) officers skillfully wrangled the reptile away from a KC-135 Stratotanker, an essential aircraft within the Air Force’s refueling fleet. The base humorously commented that the alligator may have been attempting to test its security measures or simply exploring new territory after being ousted by Elvis, an even larger alligator known to live in the area.
The base expressed its gratitude to the FWC for their quick intervention, confirming that the alligator was safely relocated to the Hillsborough River, ensuring both the safety of base operations and the animal itself. This incident highlights the base’s ongoing interactions with Florida’s native wildlife, including occasional alligator visits that add a layer of complexity to their security operations.
Seasonal Alligator Activity and Safety Measures
The FWC took this opportunity to remind the public about increased alligator activity during this time of the year. Alligator courtship typically begins in early April, with mating occurring around May or June, increasing the likelihood of such encounters. The commission strongly advises residents and visitors to stay vigilant when near bodies of fresh or brackish water.
Key safety tips from the FWC include:
- Always supervising children near water.
- Avoiding swimming outside designated swimming areas, particularly at dusk or dawn when alligators are most active.
- Keeping pets away from water bodies known to be alligator habitats.
- Never feeding alligators, as it decreases their natural fear of humans and associates human presence with food.
Community and Wildlife Coexistence
This unusual encounter at MacDill Air Force Base serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife habitats. The FWC’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) is in place to manage alligators that pose a threat to people, pets, or property, employing contracted trappers to safely relocate these animals.
As Florida’s communities continue to grow and expand into traditional wildlife areas, encounters with alligators and other wildlife are likely to increase. Understanding and respecting the natural behavior of alligators is crucial for preventing conflicts and ensuring safety for both humans and animals. The state laws are strict about interacting with wildlife, emphasizing that alligators should not be harassed, captured, or fed by unlicensed individuals.
For anyone facing a threatening situation involving an alligator, the FWC encourages contacting the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). The public’s awareness and cooperation are essential in fostering a safe environment where both people and wildlife can thrive.
