Robot finds 5-foot-long alligator sneaking through Florida stormwater pipe
The reptile was discovered on Friday, when a robot deployed by a stormwater crew was investigating underground pipes.
Robot finds 5-foot-long alligator sneaking through Florida stormwater pipe
Miami Zoo Communications Director Ron Magill joined FOX Weather to discuss the 5-foot-long alligator that was found by a robot sneaking through a Florida stormwater pipe and best practices to get it out.
ORLANDO, Fla. – A 5-foot-long alligator was discovered by a robot Friday that was deployed to investigate a stormwater pipe in Florida.
A crew in the town of Oviedo was using the camera-equipped robot to check for any problems in a pipe that travels under a roadway. Rather than find leaks or cracks in the pipe, the robot discovered the large gator.
Five-foot-long alligator found in stormwater pipe in Florida
Video shows the reptile calmly sitting in standing water when it was discovered on Friday morning. (Courtesy: City of Oviedo/AMAZING ANIMALS+ /TMX)
The video begins with the reptile calmly sitting in standing water when it was discovered. As the robot drew nearer, the reptile began to walk backward and even show its teeth.
![Officials first thought the animal was a toad.]()
Image 1 of 2Officials first thought the animal was a toad. (City of Oviedo / AMAZING ANIMALS+ / TMX)
![The alligator bares its fangs to the camera.]()
Image 2 of 2The alligator bares its fangs to the camera. (City of Oviedo / AMAZING ANIMALS+ / TMX)
Eventually, it turned around and walked away, looking back at the robot every so often before it meandered down the pipe and disappeared.
The alligator walks away.
(City of Oviedo / AMAZING ANIMALS+ / TMX / FOX Weather)
"Just another reason not to go wandering down into the Stormwater pipes!" said officials at the city of Oviedo. "Thank goodness our crews have a robot."
According to the city's website, there are about 75 miles of storm pipes that traverse the town.