A Publix in South Carolina recently found an unexpected “shopper” in the shape of an alligator underneath a group of carts outside the supermarket.
The alligator was spotted near the entrance to the grocery store before South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officers were called to the scene.
Recorded video shows shopping cart barriers and yellow caution tape being set up to seal off the area where the alligator was hiding.
Footage shows customers and employees standing near the barrier watching the scene.
The crocodile lies under the cart with its tail sticking out and appears to be minding its own business.
“An employee responded to the scene and observed the alligator with a bullet wound in its head, apparently from a pellet gun,” SCDNR officials said in an email to Fox News Digital.
Wildlife control operators successfully removed the crocodile from the area.
After being treated for its wounds, the crocodile was released into state waters.
SCDNR shared safety tips in case you encounter an alligator.
Alligator Safety Tips from SCDNR
“If you see a crocodile, please remain vigilant and do not approach.”
“Please be aware of your surroundings and stay away from water. If you encounter a crocodile, maintain an appropriate distance.”
“Feeding crocodiles is illegal and can lead to crocodiles associating humans with food, increasing the likelihood of negative interactions.”
“If a crocodile feels particularly threatened, it will open its mouth, hiss, and move forward a foot or two (this is called a ‘bluff lunge’).”
“Alligators become more mobile during mating season, so you’re more likely to encounter them on land or in new locations.”
“Alligators eat everything from small frogs and snakes to turtles, birds, fish, mammals such as raccoons and opossums, and occasionally deer.”
