Crossing I-275 Proves Fatal for Alligator

A Sunday stroll on Interstate 275 just south of Gandy Boulevard proved to be a bad idea for a 12-foot alligator.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the gator made its way onto the interstate not once, but twice June 17 and was struck both times.

The incident began around 12:22 a.m. yesterday when the gator was struck by a 2012 Toyota driven by Bruce Foley, 42, of Temple Terrace. Foley was traveling northbound when he hit the gator.

After being struck, the alligator fled into the woods on the east side of the interstate. Unfortunately for the animal, it reemerged about a half-hour later on the southbound side of the road. This time it was struck by a 2004 Kia driven by Verna Christopherson, 80, of St. Petersburg.

The second strike proved fatal for the gator, the highway patrol said in a media release. A local trapper later removed its remains.

Neither driver was injured.