Gator removed from runway at Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base

Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base is home to quite a few alligators, and apparently keeping them off the runway is just part of the job.

This morning, MacDill shared photos and video of a large alligator camped under the wheels of a tanker plane.

“Our newest toothy Airman has been relocated to a more suitable environment off base,” said the base in the post. “Special thanks to FWC for the assist.”

Video footage shows officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) helping to capture the apex predator, which was was safely removed from the runway and relocated to a nearby pond, says the base.

The post also suggested that the gator was possibly forced out of its home by a much larger, 12-foot alligator named "Elvis," which made headlines in a viral video from 2018.

Gator aren't just found on Air Force bases.  The FWC believes there are roughly 1.3 million alligators in the state of Florida, and they can be found in all 67 counties.

This is the time of year to be extra aware of gators here in Florida.  We're currently in the thick of alligator mating season, which typically runs from May to June depending on temperatures, says the FWC. This means gators are looking for love and end up in places they're not supposed to be.

If you find one in a place it shouldn't be (like on a runway) , you can call the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

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