Why Did The Alligator Cross The Road

Why did the alligator cross the road? Cops don't know, but authorities collared the nine footer Tuesday morning after a half-hour standoff that slowed traffic to a crawl on U.S. 441.

The gator was spotted about 7:15 a.m. at U.S. 441 and Bailey Road. The reptile was seen by construction workers, who called 911, bringing the Broward Sheriff's Office to the scene.

''This is the Broward's Sheriff's Office,'' a deputy said into a bullhorn. ``Get back into the canal!''

The alligator defied orders.

The deputy continued: ``Move back! Move back!''

The alligator didn't exactly obey, although it did eventually meander about 100 feet or so. It migrated from the pavement of U.S. 441 to the sidewalk along the busy road. Traffic was reduced to one lane as the alligator stood its ground.

Am I the only one who is disturbed by the idea of a deputy using a bullhorn to try and scare the gator back into the canal.

"Listen Wally, this is Deputy Barney Fife, a duly declared lawman of the Broward County Sheriff's department. If you fail to heed my order I am going to have to take you in..."

Sounds to me like the deputy should be working with Mr. Ranger at Jellystone.