BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — An 11-foot alligator was safely relocated after being spotted in a canal near the entrance of Eagles Landing Middle School, adding another unusual wildlife encounter to a South Florida school campus.
The alligator, which weighed about 225 pounds, was found near the campus entrance area. Officer Mazer secured the area after the animal was spotted, keeping people away from the canal while help was called in.
Swamp Addict Outdoors responded to the school and safely removed the alligator from the area.
The gator was relocated to what was described as a more suitable habitat, away from the campus and school drop-off lines.
The incident comes after another recent unusual wildlife sighting involving a prehistoric-looking turtle on a South Florida school campus. In this case, the issue was larger and much harder to miss.
Alligators are a familiar part of life in South Florida, especially around canals, lakes, retention ponds and other waterways near schools, neighborhoods and public buildings. Their presence can still create a safety concern when one is spotted close to high-traffic areas such as entrances, sidewalks or parent drop-off zones.
At Eagles Landing Middle School, the response was handled by securing the area first, then bringing in a handler to relocate the animal. The information provided did not indicate any further disruption at the campus.
For parents, students and nearby residents, the reminder is straightforward: give large wildlife space, keep away from canal banks when an animal is spotted, and let trained responders handle the removal.
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