9-foot alligator caught on highway near Tampa, Florida

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information from Florida Highway Patrol that the gator was caught on Sunday evening.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A 9-foot alligator was caught Sunday evening along the Selmon Expressway near Tampa, Florida, the state Highway Patrol says.

The gator was seen in the eastbound lanes near the end of the reversible express lanes toward Brandon.

“Life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re gonna find!” FHP Tampa posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “A trapper and a Trooper locate and save a 9-foot alligator from the Selmon Expressway in Tampa.”

The gator was relocated to another undisclosed area away from humans, troopers said.

It’s unclear if the gator is eligible for the 50% Florida Toll Relief Credit.

This time of year is also the start of mating season for gators, according to the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.