GLADEWATER, TX —
In the heart of downtown Gladewater—known as the “antique capital of East Texas”—a Sunday morning took an unexpected turn when a nine-foot alligator strolled past diners and antique shoppers along South Tyler Street. The encounter, near Tele’s Mexican Restaurant, drew a stunned crowd and set off a rapid response from local law enforcement and wildlife officials.
The incident occurred in the 400 block of South Tyler, around the popular restaurant district, where the massive alligator was found pinned against a wrought iron fence. According to the Gladewater Police Department, the reptile was safely relocated to its natural habitat in the nearby Sabine River with the help of Gregg County Game Warden Todd Long and the Gladewater Fire Department.
Timeline and Response
The sighting was first reported early Sunday morning, June 15, as pedestrians and restaurant patrons noticed the animal making its way along Tyler Street. Emergency crews arrived shortly thereafter to contain the situation and protect bystanders.
“Right there on the side of the road, pinned against a wrought iron fence. He was all there. He was right at 9 1/2 foot,” Long told WVVA-TV, describing the gator as “grumpy” and aggressive. The alligator reportedly growled and attempted to lunge at officers as they tried to corral it.
After a tense standoff, wildlife responders were able to exhaust the animal and tape its mouth shut before transporting it safely back to the Sabine River.
A Community on Alert, But Impressed
Photos of the event—showing the massive reptile sprawled across downtown pavement—quickly went viral. The Gladewater Police Department posted on Facebook:
“Big thanks to Todd Long, Texas Game Warden, for his expertise! With everyone working together, we safely escorted a 9’2″ alligator from downtown Gladewater back to its natural habitat… The operation was completed without injury to officers, firefighters, or the animal.”
Residents and visitors praised the professionalism of the response team. “It’s not every day you come out for brunch and end up watching a wildlife rescue,” said Maria Flores, a local teacher who had been dining at Tele’s at the time. “It was scary, but also amazing to see how calmly they handled it.”
Background: Alligators in East Texas
Though the sight of an alligator downtown may seem unusual, wildlife experts say East Texas is home to a healthy alligator population—especially near rivers and wetlands. The Sabine River Basin has long been known as a habitat for American alligators, but urban encounters have become more common as development expands into natural areas.
“Alligator sightings in populated areas are increasing, particularly in spring and early summer when males search for mates or new territory,” noted Dr. Evelyn Sharp, a biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “While alarming, these incidents are usually resolved safely when reported quickly.”
Texas law prohibits the harming or harassment of alligators, and officials stress that any sightings should be reported to local authorities rather than approached by civilians.
Lessons in Wildlife Coexistence
The safe relocation of the gator highlights the importance of community coordination in dealing with wildlife in urban areas. “This was a textbook response,” said Game Warden Long in a follow-up post on social media. “Everyone stayed calm, and we were able to resolve it without injury or escalation.”
The city, known for its welcoming small-town charm, continues to embrace its natural surroundings—even the unexpected ones.
Were you downtown when the alligator made its appearance? Have you spotted wildlife in unexpected places around Gladewater? Share your story in the comments below.
