A giant alligator was caught and taken out of a lake in Lusimangues, in the Porto Nacional area, in Tocantins, last Saturday (23).

An excavator shovel pulls while catching an alligator – Photo: Reproduction / ND

A black caiman over four meters tall was tied with ropes and lifted with a wheel loader. The animal was then placed in a bucket in the sub-prefecture of Porto Nacional and taken to the mangroves of the lake, where there are no visitors.

Employees of the mining company, which is located on the shore of the lake, were responsible for the capture of the animal. Firefighters were called to help rescue, but when they arrived, the alligator had already been tied up and pulled out of the water.

An excavator shovel pulls while catching an alligator – Photo: Reproduction / ND

Mineradora Potti claimed that the staff made the grab because the place is frequented by bathers, especially during this heat wave.

A spokesman for the mining company said the black caiman was spotted on Saturday morning as an employee was boarding the ferry. The animal was in the lake with its mouth open.

The military police said the alligator had old injuries, was without front legs, and was probably blind in one eye. Authorities suspect animal cruelty. However, the animal could also be attacked by piranhas.

Giant alligator being removed from lake by wheel loader in Tocantins – Video: Reproduction/ND