FULSHEAR, Texas – A massive alligator was spotted hanging out in a Fulshear community over the weekend.
The gator, which now has the nickname Shelia, was seen basking in the evening sun in the Cross Creek Ranch neighborhood on Sunday evening.
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Neighbors and people passing by stopped to snap pictures and marvel at the giant prehistoric predator that decided to take a rest just off of a sidewalk.
“I have never seen one that large,” Jacoby Davis told KPRC 2. “This was a true gift from nature to me. I never thought I’d see one this large, especially in Texas.”
Alligators are part of the Southeast Texas ecosystem.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, alligators are commonly spotted in “swamps, rivers, bayous, and marshes of the southern U.S., including the eastern third of Texas.” Alligators are commonly found in or near freshwater. However, gators can also tolerate brackish, or a mixture of salt and fresh water.
While they’re not rare, seeing a big gator up close and personal like Davis did on Sunday is an opportunity he couldn’t pass up for a photo.
“Steve Irwin was my childhood hero, so I had to fight the urge to pet the beautiful Sheila,” Davis said. “On a serious note, the safety of the beautiful creature and the community came into my mind. I just hope it’s handled safely for all parties involved. As we encroach upon Texas wildlife’s natural habitat we have to be responsible for how we deal with them when we cross their paths in their home. I just hope he’s safe, and our daily lives can carry on safely.”
Alligators mating season in Texas runs from March 1 through May 30. During this time, alligators can be overly aggressive towards other gators, pets and even people.
The best way to observe an alligator is from a safe distance.