13-foot alligator sunbathes on I-49; interstate blocked

DESOTO PARISH, La. (KSLA) - Drivers on I-49 in DeSoto Parish got quite the surprise Friday morning (May 6).

A 10-foot alligator was spotted blocking the interstate. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office posted a couple of photos on Facebook Friday morning, saying I-49 S was blocked near the Natchitoches Parish line.

A 13-foot alligator blocked I-49 S Friday, May 6, 2022 while sunbathing. — A 13-foot alligator blocked I-49 S Friday, May 6, 2022 while sunbathing.(DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office)

The sheriff’s office says Sgt. Michael Dunn was sent to the scene to deal with the gator. Dunn was able to coax the gator off the interstate into a nearby creek bed.

Press Release May 06, 2022 DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office At approximately 8:15am, dispatchers with the DeSoto Parish...
Posted by Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office on Friday, May 6, 2022

Big thanks to Sgt.. Michael Dunn, who claims he personally picked up the alligator with his bare hands, carried it on...
Posted by Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office on Friday, May 6, 2022

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