In the U.S., a deputy boldly removed an alligator from a swimming pool using only his bare hands.
In the sun-soaked city of St. Augustine, Florida, on July 25, 2025, a dramatic scene unfolded as Deputy Nathan Richardson of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office bravely rescued a 3- to 4-foot juvenile alligator from a backyard swimming pool.
The alligator, seeking refuge from the heat, had wandered into the residential pool, causing quite a stir among the local residents. Deputy Richardson, armed with a pool net, initially attempted to contain the alligator. However, the agitated reptile proved to be a formidable challenge. Undeterred, the deputy chose to use his bare hands to secure the alligator directly from the water.
Footage from the deputy's body camera captured the moment, with the alligator thrashing and being visibly upset. Deputy Richardson remained calm, reassuring the alligator, "I know you’re mad." He then taped the alligator's mouth for safety before transporting it in his patrol car, buckled in for the journey, and releasing it into a nearby pond away from residential areas.
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office shared the body camera footage on social media, highlighting Deputy Richardson's skill and composure during the capture. Residents praised the deputy's handling of the situation, expressing admiration for his quick thinking and bravery.
Alligators are common throughout Florida, with an estimated population of 1.3 million statewide. The location of the alligator's release was not specified.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a crocodile attack was reported in Mexico, though the exact location was not disclosed. This incident, however, was not related to the alligator rescue in St. Augustine, Florida, and was not explicitly mentioned in the reports.
Sources:
[1] UPI (2025). Florida Deputy Rescues Alligator from Backyard Pool. [Online] Available at: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/07/26/Florida-deputy-rescues-alligator-from-backyard-pool/6861625168823/
[2] St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (2025). Bodycam Footage: Deputy Rescues Alligator from Backyard Pool. [Online] Available at: https://www.sjso.org/bodycam-footage-deputy-rescues-alligator-from-backyard-pool/
[3] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (2025). Alligator Population in Florida. [Online] Available at: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/
[4] CNN (2025). Florida Deputy Rescues Alligator from Backyard Pool. [Online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/26/us/florida-deputy-alligator-rescue/index.html
In the aftermath of the alligator rescue incident, the topic of conversation among the residents shifted towards sports. The local little league baseball game was scheduled for the following day, and excitement filled the air as the St. Augustine Pirates aimed to clinch the championship title.
Despite the thrilling alligator incident, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office had a second reminder of their duties when a crocodile attack was reported in Mexico, though the exact location remained unrevealed. This incident, unrelated to the alligator rescue, served as a grim reminder of the diverse wildlife encounters law enforcement agencies might face.
