Motorists in Miami Lakes got an unexpected commuter headache yesterday morning when a large alligator decided to take a leisurely stroll down Northwest 67th Avenue. Viral videos posted to social media show drivers slowing down to snap photos of the mature reptile as it stubbornly blocked a lane of traffic. At one point, a motorist backed up a flatbed tow truck to gently nudge the animal toward the grass, but the gator refused to budge before eventually retreating into a nearby canal.
The bizarre traffic jam comes just weeks after an even larger reptile prompted an emergency response in Broward County. On Friday night, August 7th, Coconut Creek Police and Florida Fish and Wildlife trappers successfully captured a massive 10-foot, 300-pound alligator wandering near Coconut Creek High School at Coconut Creek Parkway and Lyons Road. The giant alligator was safely relocated to Everglades Holiday Park just days before students returned for the first day of school. FWC officials remind residents that alligator activity remains high during summer months and urge the public to call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline if a large reptile poses a threat.