New video shows the moment a large alligator walked across a four-lane highway downtown Mobile, Alabama on May 11. That surprising glimpse stopped traffic in its tracks and took over the national airwaves. Murder of a mother Trending news reporter Fernando Cervantes Jr. for USA TODAY has the details of the tragic incident that took place on Mother’s Day. The mature alligator, which the driver said was 10 or 11 feet long, captured the interest of oncoming motorists and bystanders.
The gator crawled onto the southbound outer loop of Interstate 85 in Pike Road, Alabama. Witnesses say the creature crawled through a fence to reach Interstate 165, using its massive bulk to dam the flow of traffic. A witness filmed some video of the alligator’s delightful saunter across the throughway, which went viral over the weekend.
This incident is not an outlier for the state of Alabama, a state rich in wildlife diversity. This isn’t the first time an alligator has shut down a highway in Mobile — or even in recent years. Just like this case in September 2023, USA TODAY covered a similar story that took place in May 2024. It’s a reality residents and visitors have become accustomed to thanks to regular wildlife encounters. Even with this tragic reality, it’s still a jaw dropping thing to see a big alligator crossing the interstate!
Cervantes Jr. reflected on just how unusual these sightings are. He stressed that the alligator’s new home raises critical questions about animal habitats and the push for urban development. Many drivers expressed fear for their own safety. For every person who wondered what was happening, hundreds took the opportunity to take pictures and videos of the amazing scene.
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