The 12-foot gator wasted no time, getting a girlfriend and making a name for himself in Gator Country.

PORT ARANSAS, Texas — Boots, the alligator that became a local celebrity along the coast, is settling into his new home one month after being relocated for safety concerns.

The 12-foot alligator was a familiar sight in Port Aransas, often drawing crowds of residents and visitors. But city leaders say that attention ultimately became a problem.

“Boots was a loved member of our community by many, but he became too much of an entertainment factor for too many people,” Port Aransas Mayor Wendy Moore said.

Officials say the alligator had grown too comfortable around humans, creating safety risks for both the public and the animal.

“For safety reasons, we had to make the decision from the city’s point to transport him to a better place,” Moore said.

About a month ago, on February 21st, Boots was relocated to Gator Country Adventure Park in Beaumont, Texas where he now lives in a controlled and protected environment.

According to owner Gary Saurage, Boots is already adjusting well to his new surroundings.

“I’ve got Big Tex and Big Al, but I don’t know who’s more famous — Big Tex or Boots. It’s a close race,” Saurage said.

Saurage, who has spent decades rescuing and wrestling alligators, said Boots is getting used to a new routine — and even a more social environment.

“This time of year, is spring break, so he’s seeing hundreds of people a day — and when they walk on those outdoor feeding decks, he can feel the vibrations,” he said.

While many along the coast say Boots is missed, wildlife experts emphasize that his story serves as an important reminder.

“I can tell you 90% of every fatal attack that involves an American alligator is because of one reason — people feed the alligator,” Saurage said.

Now, instead of crowds gathering too close, Boots has more space and a safer place to live.

Saurage says the facility hopes Coastal Bend visitors will come see Boots in his new home this summer.

Video of Boots at his new habitat was provided by Gator Country Adventure Park via social media.