Florida Deputy Uses Bare Hands to Remove Pool-Lounging Gator

A Florida deputy is going viral after using his bare hands to wrangle an unexpected backyard guest: an alligator.

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a St. Augustine home on August 4 after residents discovered the gator cooling off in their swimming pool. Body camera footage shows the wild moment Deputy Richardson first attempts to remove the gator with a net—before ditching it and grabbing the reptile by hand.

“Obviously, you grew up here,” one amazed resident says as the deputy drags the gator out.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the alligator was safely buckled into the patrol car and relocated to a nearby pond.

While the gator wasn’t thrilled about its interrupted pool day, locals are applauding the deputy’s Florida-style bravery