Alligator wanders in front of Apopka Walmart

APOPKA, Fla. — Police had to be called to an Apopka Walmart because of an alligator that was wandering in front of the store's entrance shortly after midnight Sunday.

Employees had to lock some of the doors after the alligator was spotted in front of the entrance of the Walmart at Orange Blossom Trail and Hiawassee Road. Police blocked off the area as the gator hung out for about an hour.

Authorities said there's a pond and woods behind the store and it's believed that's where the alligator came from. A trapper was called to the Walmart, but the gator retreated back into the woods before the trapper arrived, according to police.

The store remained open during the incident and police officers kept customers away from the gator. Fish and Wildlife officers are expected to look for the gator on Sunday to determine if it needs to be relocated.

WFTV