HOUSTON — Alligators have been known to stop traffic, but this gator caused a major delay.
The 8-foot reptile caused a delay on the Fred Hartman Bridge in Houston on Wednesday as it lounged along the shoulder of the highway’s northbound lanes, KTRK reported.
The Harris County Precinct 8 Constable’s Office shared a photo on Facebook shortly before noon CDT of the alligator, which appeared to be napping.
Deputies, along with Baytown police and state police animal control officers went to the scene to remove the animal, which seemed hesitant to move from its spot, KHOU reported.
Officials were able to tether the alligator with a rope, but it thrashed and rolled, KTRK reported. It took five officers to subdue the reluctant reptile; once captured, the gator was transported to safety under the bridge, where it was released on a grassy bank near Tabbs Bay, the television station reported.
Officials were uncertain how the alligator got onto the bridge, KHOU reported.