No tail? Video shows alligator with stump wandering through Florida neighborhood
It's a weird-looking weiner dog! No, it's a really big iguana. Actually, it's an … alligator?
Residents in Cape Coral, Florida, were spooked a little earlier on Halloween last week as a tailless gator roamed around their neighborhood.
Colette Shrock, who grabbed video of the gator, told Storyful she was rounding the corner of her street when she stumbled upon it as it was “moving from one pond to another across the road.”
“I have no idea how the poor gator lost its tail,” Shrock told Storyful.
Is it common to see alligators with missing limbs in Florida?
While it might be rare to see another alligator without its tail, it's not too uncommon to see one missing a limb or two.
According to the Okefenokee Swamp website, some alligators are more territorial than others, especially the larger males and females. This might result in some nasty fights and the loss of a leg or claw.
Safety tips: What to do if you see an alligator?
Though Florida residents have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The Wildlife Commission recommends people avoid feeding alligators and keep their distance if they see one.
"Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water," FWC's site states.
Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare here, but if you are concerned about a gator, call the nuisance alligator hot line at 866-392-4286 or visit myfwc.com.
Contributing: Lianna Norman, USA TODAY Network-Florida