Jacob Reinbolt, known as Gator Jake, and Claire Cherrington hold down an 11-foot-10-inch alligator during a safe capture in a Los Fresnos neighborhood
By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Residents got a close-up reminder of local wildlife Sunday when an 11-foot-10-inch male American alligator was found resting under a shady tree in a residential neighborhood.
The alligator was captured by Jacob Reinbolt, known locally as Gator Jake, along with Texas Game Wardens and the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. According to Reinbolt, the drought in the Rio Grande Valley likely drove the gator to leave its natural habitat in search of water.
“With the drought we’ve been experiencing, it seems this big guy was looking for a new home,” Reinbolt said. “Unfortunately, his path took him through a neighborhood, but we were able to safely relocate him to a much more appropriate location, far from people.”
Reinbolt said the gator likely came from the San Benito or Los Fresnos area, where ponds, canals, and wetlands provide ideal conditions. He also warned residents that low water levels may cause more alligators to wander into neighborhoods.
The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary encouraged residents to learn more about the region’s wildlife and reminded everyone: never feed wild alligators.
The alligator, which captured attention for its size and unusual nap spot, was relocated to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, ensuring both the animal’s safety and the community’s.