14 June 2023 , 15:52
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Deputies with a Florida sheriff's department were amazed to find an alligator had latched onto an underwater drone during a training exercise.
Footage shared by the Lee County Sheriff's Office last Friday shows the scaly critter chomp at the device as deputies look on in Fort Myers, Florida.
The gator makes another pass for the drone, chomping at the machine in hopes of securing a meal.
"While the Lee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit was training in Fort Myers, this insta-gator latched on to the underwater drone!" the department wrote. "See ya later Alligator!"
The department's post of the surprise visitor on Facebook has since gone viral, garnering over 11,000 views and close to 300 reactions.
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The Lee County Sheriff's Department captured the underside of an alligator that passed over one of its marine drones (Newsflash)The Marine Unit performs rescues, conducts investigations and patrols the waterways in Lee County, the department's website reads.
It comprises of several deputies and 13 boats, which are equipped with "the most advanced and state-of-the-art technology," including sonar and the drones.
The alligator attack occurred during a routine training exercise on Friday, June 9.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the animals are "opportunistic feeders" — the reptile likely thought the drone was prey.
The department's post of the surprise visitor on Facebook has since gone viral, garnering over 11,000 views and close to 300 reactions (Newsflash)No damage was done to the device, according to the Miami Herald.
Community members flocked to the Facebook post to react to the incident.
"He just wanted to say 'what's up Carmine' and wanted to be a part of the next TikTok," wrote Ocala resident Marie Frizacola, referring to one of the sheriffs on the scene.
"Probably didn't taste that good," Corey Leon commented.
Following the attack, the alligator retreated into the depths.