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North Port neighborhood keeping an eye on gator

Gator in North Port neighborhood
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SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. -- A North Port neighborhood is keeping a close eye on an unusual neighbor that has left them uneasy.

A four and half foot alligator has decided to make a swale in a residential area its new home. Neighbors in the Bay City Terrace area say the gator first showed up five months ago. It was only about 3-feet then, and most thought it would move on.

But the gator keeps growing and refuses to leave.

With small animals and kids on the street, many are uneasy. Residents have called Sarasota County Animal Services, but agency says it cannot remove a gator over 3-feet.

Florida Fish and Wildlife will only help if the reptile becomes a nuisance.