Fulshear police apprehend gator that was taking a dip in a backyard pool

It’s the second time in a week that we’ve posted about a gator that got into a backyard pool.

FULSHEAR, Texas — For the second time in a week, we’re seeing video of a gator taking a dip in a backyard pool in the Houston area. This time, it was in Fulshear.

Fulshear police posted bodycam video of the capture from Wednesday, showing officers going into the backyard of a home and after a few attempts, managed to capture the elusive reptile.

From there, police put it in the back seat of their squad car and released it to a space more suitable for gators – a nearby pond.

As we’ve been reporting, it’s gator mating seasons, so more and more of them are being spotted in neighborhoods.

Other gators spotted out and about

Earlier this week, we posted video of a gator from a backyard pool in Cinco Ranch. In that case, the homeowners managed to capture the creature in their pool net. They also relocated it to a nearby pond.

While the Cinco Ranch pool gator was a little fella, there were some big ones roaming recently in other parts of town, including out in Sienna last weekend.  That’s where a massive gator was spotted taking a stroll down 

That wasn’t the only gator spotted in Sienna Sunday.  Another viewer shared video from Sienna of a gator crossing the street.

Gator season and nesting season continues through the end of May.

What to do if you spot a gator

So what should you do if you encounter an alligator?  Below are some pointers from Texas Parks and Wildlife.

  • Most alligators naturally avoid people and will usually retreat when approached.
  • If an alligator hisses, Texas Parks and Wildlife says it’s a warning that you are too close and should slowly back away.
  • Wildlife officials say alligators basking near ponds or streams are often just regulating their body temperature and are not necessarily hunting.
  • Any alligator that approaches people, comes out of the water toward humans or lingers near homes could be considered a nuisance animal.
  • Pet owners are urged to keep animals leashed and away from the water because alligators may see them as an easy food source.
  • Officials say people should never attempt to move an alligator seen in a roadway and should instead contact local authorities.
  • Feeding alligators is illegal in Texas and can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans.

More gator sightings

Earlier this month, we posted about a gator in Sienna that stopped by an elementary school.

Before that, there was a monster gator on a golf course in Sienna.

And then there’s Cinco Ranch, where a gator was wandering the streets.

Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.

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