Watch CBS News

Gator Blocks Runway At MacDill Air Force Base In Tampa

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - Staff at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa had to bring in a front-end loader to remove a big gator that was lounging on a runway.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that the large reptile was spotted Tuesday morning on a flight line.

The base shared a photo of the creature on Facebook, saying the friendly alligator was just "preparing for take-off."

MacDill spokesman 2nd Lt. Brandon Hanner says alligator sightings are common around the base, which is located on Tampa Bay.

Hanner said the alligator probably surfaced from one the base's bodies of water.

The wing safety office's wildlife manager organized the animal's removal, scooping it into the bucket of the loader.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.