ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) — The Orlando Police Department said it removed a wayward alligator found sheltering in an apartment complex on Tuesday.

Officers said the six-foot reptile was cornered underneath an apartment stairwell on Lake Debra Drive.

Bodycam footage showed an officer covering the alligator with a towel to disorient or calm it for a safe capture. In the footage, an officer grabbed the alligator by its tail, dragging it to the backyard of the complex

Officers safely wrapped the alligator's mouth with tape before loading it into the police vehicle, OPD said.

"This incident is a reminder that our officers never know what they'll encounter on a call, but they are always prepared to get the job done," OPD said.

According to officers and bodycam footage, the reptile was released w

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