In a remarkable team effort, the City of Mont Belvieu in Texas successfully removed a 12-foot-long alligator from a ditch along Eagle Drive with the assistance of the Public Works department's grapple truck. The thrilling video of the operation has now gone viral, garnering over 1.3 million views and more than 5,900 reactions on the city's Facebook page.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 3, when a Mont Belvieu Police Department officer spotted the large alligator in a shallow drainage ditch. Realizing the size of the reptile, the officer suggested contacting the public works department for their grapple truck, known for its claw-like device used for lifting heavy objects.

"Our Mont Belvieu Police Department officer contacted dispatch to ask for animal control and suggested contacting public works for their grapple truck," said Brian Ligon, communications and marketing director for the City of Mont Belvieu.

In the now-trending video, viewers can witness the impressive sight of the massive alligator being lifted into the air by the Public Works grapple truck's claw. The city proudly shared the video on Facebook, captioned with the fitting phrase, "See ya later, alligator!"

Following the successful lifting of the alligator, the state's game warden was called in to assist in its removal from the area. The grapple truck was instrumental in safely transporting the beast away from the nearby sidewalk and developing neighborhood.

"While we do encounter alligators in our area with some frequency, we generally do not see gators of this size in populated areas," commented Ligon, emphasizing the exceptional nature of the situation.

This extraordinary display of teamwork and coordination, showcased in the viral video, has garnered praise from Facebook users worldwide. Users have expressed their astonishment at the size of the alligator as well as their admiration for the city's efforts in ensuring a safe removal.

With the assistance of the grapple truck and the expertise of the game warden, the massive alligator's relocation was handled smoothly and efficiently. The timely response by the City of Mont Belvieu demonstrates their commitment to preserving the safety and well-being of their community.

As the city celebrates the successful removal of this extraordinary creature, residents can rest a little easier knowing that their local authorities are prepared for even the most unexpected encounters with wildlife.