LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – Why did the alligator cross the football field? To get to a Lakeland school!

On Thursday a 9-foot 11-inch long alligator showed up at the Geneva Academy, on Lakeland Highands Road. Staff and students say they were amazed at the sight of the massive gator.

Sign language teacher Mary Cummins captured the whole incident on camera. Lakeland Police helped keep the alligator in one spot, while they waited for a professional trapper to arrive.

Police believe the reptile was headed for a lake across the street.Videos courtesy Mary Cummins via Lakeland Mom Facebook page.