The alligator and the deputy sheriff

HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE FACEBOOK POST:

“Around 7:30 Tuesday morning, while Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) K9 teams were conducting a training exercise around a pond off Allen Creek Road, an HCSO deputy encountered a large alligator.

The deputy was laying a track for a K9 team when he heard a hissing sound and saw the alligator with its mouth open. The alligator, estimated to be between 7 and 9 feet in length, charged at the deputy who was able to run up an embankment and evade the animal. He was not injured.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was notified of the interaction.

While the pond is located in an area not typically accessible to the public, HCSO is encouraging citizens to take precautions around the water in that area, including the stream that feeds the pond. As a result of this morning’s sighting, HCSO will be installing warning signs, cautioning the public about alligators, snakes and other wildlife that may pose a danger to the public.

The attached drone photo was captured (Tuesday morning) by HCSO 1st Lt. Dan Franklin, shortly after the deputy encountered the alligator.”