Local

Gator found roaming near Titusville playground put down

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — A 10-foot-long alligator that was found hanging out at a Titusville park on Monday had to be euthanized.

A fisherman spotted the gator at Tom Statham Park on U.S. 1 Monday morning.

Trappers said the gator was walking about 30 feet from a playground and didn't appear to be afraid of humans. They believe it was looking for fresh water after leaving the Indian River.

"A gator that size is a threat to a person, but he was looking for a fresh water place off the salt water," one trapper said.

Because it was a threat to humans, the gator was killed.

Residents who take their kids to the park told Channel 9 it's not the first time a gator has been close. There are even signs warning people about the gators.

Most residents said the idea of gators being nearby won't deter them from going to the park.

"It's the Indian River. There will always be gators down here," one resident said.