CLAY COUNTY – There is a reason they call Florida Gator Country, and not just for one of its universities.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was called to remove two reptiles in one week. The first came on April 11 at Kids First preschool in Middleburg when a three-footer was spotted in a hallway. Rookie Deputy Tyler North used his shoe to confine it until he grabbed it under the jaw. It was released in a nearby natural habitat without injury.

A week later, Deputy Michael Sapp answered a call at a residence and found a larger gator in a flowerbed near the front door. With help from a wrangler, Albert Lundin, they roped it and dragged it away from the house. The gator chased Sapp down the driveway and into the street before it was subdued. Like the first gator, it was released in a safer environment. According to the agency, “It’s Florida, we have gators. And it’s gator mating season, so they’re extra spicy. Most of the time, they stay away from humans, but occasionally, they wander. If you see one that poses a threat to the community, give us a call.”