Alligator Ties Up Morning Rush Hour

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A big 'gator' surprise forced one
major highway in Broward County to shut down for some time this
morning.
Drivers kept a close eye on the gator Tuesday morning as it
slowly moved on the grass behind State Road 7 in the Fort
Lauderdale area. It took about an hour for a Broward County
Sheriff's Office deputy to block off the area until a wildlife
officer arrived.
With traffic backed up, onlookers watched as the gator crept
closer.
The wildlife officer was able to snag the gator just after
morning rush hour.
No one was hurt.
Wildlife officials say the alligator is too big to release back into the wild.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Gabriella Ferraro says the alligator measures 9.5 feet and can't be
relocated. Instead, it will be put down.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)