An alligator in Florida has gone viral for literally and easily pulling apart a metal fence before crawling through to the other side.
In a video posted to Twitter by WINK news meteorologist Matt Devitt, a large alligator can be seen approaching a metal fence before using his body to bend the bars apart and wriggle his body through the opening.
FLORIDA GATOR VS METAL FENCE 🐊😳
Check out this big guy bend the bars and plow right through it this week in Placida. He eventually got through according to the @WINKNews viewer who shot the video. Only in #Florida! @GatorsDaily pic.twitter.com/3GCWtWhUnO— Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWINK) March 2, 2023
“Check out this big guy bend the bars and plow right through it this week in Placida. He eventually got through according to the WINK News viewer who shot the video,” Devitt wrote on Twitter.
The fence was reportedly made from aluminum, a more lightweight and easily malleable metal than sturdier materials like iron. Still, the feat was impressive, if not a little unnerving.
“This video is my nightmare — the same fence surrounds our pool area. I have this vision when I swim at night in SC,” tweeted the News 13 News Director in Myrtle Beach.
“He clearly never misses leg day,” another user commented.
The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) states that warmer weather means alligators are more active and visible, particularly as they approach mating season which begins in early April. Though serious injuries by alligators are rare, a more active alligator population generally leads to more human encounters. (RELATED: Elderly Woman Killed By 10-Foot Alligator While Walking Her Dog)
The FWC asks residents concerned about alligators in their vicinity to call their nuisance hotline.