People call Florida “The Gator State” for two reasons. The first is the University of Florida Gators football team. The second is that no matter where you are on the peninsula, there is a good chance you will spot a gator. However, Ali Drake did not expect to see a gator cruising across the taxiway at the airport. Some language in the video is colorful, so don’t open this near kids or at work.

As the airplane taxis past the gator, passengers get a good look. The gator seemed accustomed to the jet noises around the airport. Some passengers estimated the size to be around ten feet, a large gator. The airport is Page Field in Southwest Florida, near Fort Myers. In operation since 1927, the airport is probably no stranger to random gator sightings.

Florida has programs to manage gators safely, but a hands-off approach is the preference as they are a protected species. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) steps in if the animals become troublesome. They have a Nuisance Alligator Hotline for filing reports. Gators picked up under this program are typically relocated away from populated areas. The hotline number is 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). If you plan on visiting Florida, you might want to add that to your phone, just in case.

It is illegal to hunt alligators in Florida unless you have specific permits. The state adheres to US Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines. The laws permit the gators to roam freely as long as they are not bothering people. It is not unusual to be driving and have to wait for a gator to cross the road.

Please share if you laughed at how nonchalant that gator at the airport was.