Advertisement

Alligator in the pool? Pinellas sheriff’s deputy to the rescue.

Heather Harris took time for a selfie with the gator still lurking in the St. Petersburg pool. Then, she “kicked this guy out,”
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Heather Harris hauled an alligator out of a pool in St. Petersburg.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Heather Harris hauled an alligator out of a pool in St. Petersburg. [ Pinellas County Sheriff's Office ]
Published April 26, 2021|Updated April 26, 2021

A sheriff’s deputy got one of those only-in-Florida calls over the weekend when she had to wrangle an alligator out of a backyard swimming pool.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Heather Harris “played lifeguard” on Saturday in St. Petersburg, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.

After posing for a quick selfie with the gator still lurking in the pool, Harris “kicked this guy out,” the post said. In the second photo, Harris was photographed holding the gator, whose snout was taped shut.

Thinking about taking a swim on a Saturday? Make sure there isn't a gator inside the pool first! Deputy Heather Harris...

Posted by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, April 24, 2021

Residents can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Alligator Hotline if a gator shows up in your yard, or swimming pool. And, yes, that number is 866-392-GATOR.

The wildlife agency says alligators are considered a nuisance if they’re at least four feet in length and believed to be a threat to people, pets or property. The agency will send out an alligator trapper.

Late spring is mating season for alligators, so they may be on the prowl.

Officials say it might be a good idea to take a look in the pool before jumping in.

“It’s just another interesting day in Tampa Bay!” the sheriff’s office post said.