Crime & Safety

Policing In Florida Requires Unique Skill: Gator Wrangling

The Winter Haven Police Department may have just won the award for best gator-wrangling cops.

WINTER HAVEN, FL -- The Winter Haven Police Department may have just won the award for best gator-wrangling cops.

After a 5-foot-long alligator showed up on Mandolin Avenue, Winter Haven police officers arrived and expertly captured the critter, relocating it to a local pond where it will, hopefully, remain.

It was a team effort. Officer Jonathan Avery lassoed the gator while Officer Vic Ramos assumed catch pole duty and Sgt. Nick Gregory took on the dangerous task of wrapping the gator's jaw in a towel so it couldn't bite the officers.

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Images via Winter Haven Police

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