Feisty gator serves as reminder to check under vehicles during mating season

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - A feisty little gator was found under a trailer, prompting a friendly reminder from deputies to check under your vehicles during alligator mating season.

On Monday morning, Sarasota County deputies shared a video showing the capture of the gator, which was found in a Publix parking lot on Fruitville Road in Sarasota. The video shows a catch pole easing over the gator who is hiding under the shadow of the trailer.

The pole closes around its neck and it is dragged out from under, but not without a fight. The gator twists and turns, but did not manage to escape.

Deputies wrote on Facebook, “Just a friendly reminder this time of year: Be sure to look BELOW the trailer before backing up.”

According to Florida wildlife officials, courtship typically begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June.