Gator stops traffic in downtown Mobile

Editor’s Note: We have updated this article to clarify the alligator’s size.

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Did you see it? An alligator caused a traffic slowdown this morning on Interstate 165.

UPDATE: What led to I-10 pursuit

The gator, which officials estimate to be 10 to 11 feet long, made its way to the intersection of I-165, Water Street, and Beauregard Street in front of the GM&O building.

INTERSECTION LOCATION:

It reportedly wandered under a fence and onto Water Street.

Police were busy trying to divert traffic while Alabama Wildlife Solutions came to help get the gator off the road and back under the fence it came from — by poking it.

Video shows the wildlife official poking the alligator.

Each time the gator was poked, it thrashed.

Officials trying to get gator out of the intersection in downtown Mobile
Officials poked an alligator with a pole to get it to go back under a fence after it blocked a busy intersection this morning. (News 5 photo)

Mobile Police sergeant says ‘young black men’ are most vulnerable to rising gun violence

Officials eventually got the alligator to go back under the fence.

With the gator out of the way, traffic is moving along Water Street.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.