TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A 12-foot alligator went airborne on Monday as a grapple truck removed the reptile from a ditch.
The alligator was found in a ditch along Eagle Drive in Mont Belvieu, Texas.
Video of the removal shows the Mont Belvieu Public Works department using its grapple truck to lift the gator in the air before placing the animal in a trailer attached to the truck.
The city posted the unique removal on Facebook, which garnered over 5,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments.
“See ya later, alligator! 
” the city wrote. “It was truly a team effort today as Public Works used their grapple truck to assist Animal Control in removing this 12 ft. gator from a ditch along Eagle Drive. Great grab, guys!”
Shinyribs, a 9-piece swamp funk and Southern soul band from Austin, Texas, even commented on the post, saying, “I was just trying tryin’ to come a little early for our show at Mont Belvieu Rock the Park this Friday! Y’all don’t have to tow me away like that!”
The city jokingly replied, “We thought we told you to stick to the City Park stage and stay out of the ditches… 
.”
The alligator removal comes just a few days after Houston police found the remains of a missing Florida man’s body inside the jaws of a gator on May 28. Mont Belvieu is located about 32 miles from Houston.
Gator sightings have been ramping up with mating season underway. Mating season kicked off in April and lasts until June, meaning there will be a greater chance of encountering the massive reptiles this month.
During mating season, males tend to become more aggressive. While alligator attacks are rare, residents should be vigilant near ponds and waterways, especially while walking their pets.
