“Ya’ll aint out of beer are you?” – the man, later identified as Robert Stratton, casually wondered as he walked toward the counter carrying a live alligator with its mouth taped shut.
READ MORE: ‘Later, Hater’: 8-Foot Florida Gator Knocks Trapper Out Cold
Upon seeing one of the customers, Stratton sought to clear his way only to reach the fridge and grab a 12-pack of beer, jokingly chasing him and yelling “Is he taking the last bit of beer? You aren’t taking the last bit of beer, are you?”
Having uploaded the video to his Facebook page, he subsequently posted a picture, writing that “it was all fun and games,” and even the “victims” weren’t mad at him.
Meanwhile, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched an investigation into the incident to find out if the man’s actions were illegal, local media reported.
READ MORE: Warning Issued Days Before Woman Was Killed by Alligator in Florida (VIDEO)
The video has become the talk of the sunshine state, with the majority of social media users poking fun at the entire situation…
People leave their kids in the car for beer runs but can't leave the gator outside?
— GBA (@GBA47379493) 28 июля 2018 г.
“Give me all your beer and make it snappy!”
— SonOfGunnersaurus (@JA606Gooner) 28 июля 2018 г.
“Excuse me do you have anything for my Gator to drink?” pic.twitter.com/6PRhxAEfv3
— BobbyB (@Sunduby) 28 июля 2018 г.
Probably didn’t want the gator to say anything that would draw unwanted attention
— Don Standing (@Standing003) 28 июля 2018 г.
Maybe he's and "ale-gator"…?
— David S (@hyoondae) 29 июля 2018 г.
…while others said they were not surprised this happened in Florida:
It's Florida. I'm surprised the opposite didn't happen.
— CoffeeNTrees (@CoffeeNTrees) 28 июля 2018 г.
AP Florida — Live alligator walks into convenience store carrying a man on a beer run.
Favorite quote from the story: "It is currently unknown if the man has done anything illegal." I live you, Florida.
— Blu Gilliand (@BluGilliand) 29 июля 2018 г.
I stand by this Tweet. https://t.co/COYEL7OoZt
— Michael Lyons (@lyonsmw) 28 июля 2018 г.
According to the Commission’s website, to possess lawfully acquired alligators for personal use, an individual must have a Class II Personal Pet License, be 18 years old, “not convicted of certain wildlife related violations and demonstrate 1 year and 1,000 hours of substantial practical experience in the handling, husbandry and care of alligators and other crocodilian species.”
