Beachgoers at Galveston’s East Beach got a surprise when they spotted a large alligator in the Gulf. Experts say it’s a normal behavior, as gators use saltwater to clear parasites.
On Friday, a family enjoying a fun day at the beach in Galveston spotted an alligator swimming nearby.
A photographer saw the snake while the family was in the water and quickly called for help. He yelled at them, "Get out of the water!" and pointed to the alligator.
"Oh my gosh!" the mom shouted as she and her kids climbed on some nearby rocks. While the swimmers hurried to safety, the nearby fishermen appeared unfazed.
Wildlife experts told the public that the sighting was not uncommon.
Josh Henderson, who works for the City of Galveston as a wildlife cop and supervisor of animal services, said that alligators sometimes go into saltwater.
Henderson shared, "He is not hurting anything out there—that is where he belongs." "Every once in a while, they will go on a trip into the saltwater. The saltwater kills the bugs that live in the freshwater”. He likened the process to providing the snakes with a natural spa treatment. He said that for most of them, a few hours in the Gulf is enough to get rid of parasites, especially after heavy rainfall.
However, Henderson said that people have seen alligators at Pirate's Beach, Jamaica Beach, McFaddin Beach, near the north pier, and off Bolivar. He had never seen one there himself.
Wildlife should always have plenty of space around beachgoers, and people should never try to get close to or contact them. Henderson said, "Unless you take care of him, he will go back to where he came from."
The family who quickly got out of the water will remember their trip to the beach for a long time.
