Alligator spotted swimming at Little Hickory Beach in Bonita Springs

As alligators go, the one that strolled and swam on a beach in Bonita Springs recently was about as stubborn as they come. This alligator was having fun in the sun and wasn’t too happy when Lee County Sheriff’s deputies and hunters came to remove it.

Bonita Springs resident Kim Biagetti was there to witness the spectacle that took place at Little Hickory Beach around 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, along with a small crowd of beachgoers.

Biagetti captured the moment by taking photos and several videos, like the one at the top of this page.

More: Alligators, Bears, Manatees: 10 of the Wildest Wildlife Videos from Our Archives

“It was very emotional,” said Biagetti, who has lived in Bonita Springs for 33 years and works at Buzz’s Lighthouse in Vanderbilt Beach. “I’ve never seen a crocodile in the water at the beach. It makes me nervous.”

According to Biagetti, a woman was walking along the shore when she saw the alligator. The police officers who were called to the scene told Biaggeti that that crocodile started swimming towards the woman. She was nervous and called.

Alligators in Florida: did you know?

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website, the American crocodile is classified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as similar in appearance to an endangered taxon. This listing provides federal protection for alligators but allows for state-approved management and control programs. This listing has been adopted by the State of Florida. Crocodiles can be legally captured only by individuals with appropriate licenses and permits.

This article originally appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press: Alligator spotted roaming Florida beach before hunters take him away