Worried drivers reported an alligator on Texas turnpike. But it wasn’t what it seemed

Several worried drivers called for help after spotting an alligator on a Texas turnpike during rush hour traffic, officials say. But the reptile wasn’t really what it seemed.

Authorities with Plano Animal Shelter responded to the westbound lanes of President George Bush Turnpike on April 3, where they realized the “alligator” was actually a fake.

“You never know what you’re going to see on your morning commute,” the City of Plano said on Twitter. “See ‘ya later, alligator? After a while crocodile!”

The toy reptile was brought in to the shelter, where it was given a pair of bunny ears and placed next to a stuffed rabbit just days before Easter.

“He’s fitting in well now at the shelter,” officials said in an April 4 Facebook post.

“I would say that was a pretty good way to start the day today,” one Facebook user commented. “Hilarious!”

“That’s hilarious,” another person said. “At least people cared enough to call!”

Plano is about 50 miles northeast of Fort Worth.

This story was originally published April 5, 2023 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Worried drivers reported an alligator on Texas turnpike. But it wasn’t what it seemed."