Huge alligator filmed in Florida sewer system with robotic camera

So the rumours are true. No, not the alien abduction ones, the ones about ‘gators living in the sewers. Well, the Florida sewers, at any rate. One maintenance crew got a bit of a shock when they discovered a fully grown alligator inside a storm pipe this month.

The stormwater crew were working for the City of Oviedo in Florida when they filmed the footage of the 5-foot-long reptile. At first, they thought they were seeing the glowing eyes of a toad staring back at them out of the dark. Fortunately for them, it is normal procedure to send a robotic camera to investigate rather than a junior team member.

The robot is a four-wheel robotic camera that can go into the pipes and investigate any anomalies under the roadway. They usually bring the robot out to inspect when there are potential roadway defects to see if any pipes have leaks, cracks, or defects underground.

As the robot got a little closer to investigate, it becomes evident that this is no toad. The alligator stands up, then turns around and backs up the pipe, revealing its long tail. The robot follows for a short time.

“Just another reason not to go wandering down into the Stormwater pipes,” writes the Oviedo City Government. “Thank goodness our crews have a robot,” they add.

I’m sure the crews are pretty thankful too! I will certainly not be venturing down any storm drains in Florida!