WATCH: Alligator on interstate in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Traffic was moving slow on I-295 in Jacksonville due to an alligator wandering the interstate on April Fool's Day, but it was no joke.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to the call about the alligator wandering in the northbound lanes, according to Action News Jacksonville.
Officers helped to direct traffic around the eight-foot-long reptile, which was captured on video resting against a concrete median barrier.
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A trapper was called, who was able to remove the alligator from the interstate.
Alligators have been on the move recently, turning up in pools and yards because it's alligator mating season.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife says alligators also become more visible and active when the water warms up. There is a statewide nuisance hotline that people can call if there are any concerns about a specific alligator. The number is: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
The FWC says people can take precautions by keeping their distance and never feeding alligators, swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours, and keeping pets on a leash and away from the water.
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