Alligator surprises students on Florida Gulf Coast University campus

FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Students at a southern Florida university found an unusual obstacle while on their way to classes -- an alligator wandering around campus.

Florida Gulf Coast University students said the gator was spotted Monday evening near the Fort Myers campus' library.

"It was walking up and down the courtyard," student Chase Winkler told the Naples Herald. "He was there and just walked all the way to the middle and just felt like a good place to lay I guess. Pretty sure he lives in the pond next to Cohen."

Winkler said he wasn't bothered by the campus intruder.

"I thought it was awesome," he said. "Very cool to see the kind of nature on campus. Hopefully they won't move it."

Witness Gypsy Sanchez posted a video to Twitter of the alligator being escorted out off campus by police wielding catch poles. It was unclear whether the officers had to use the catch poles on the reptile or if it left campus willingly.