Residents in a busy area of Madison County had an unwelcomed visitor today.

Madison City officials said police responded Wednesday morning to reports of a 6-foot alligator off Zierdt Road. Photos from the scene show the alligator lounging in front of the brick sign for the Mountain Brook subdivision.

Wildlife officials and an alligator wrangler humanely secured the animal and removed it from the area and transported it to a less populated area.

The city has also offered words of advice for those living near large waterways in Madison and surrounding areas – it’s prime season for alligators to breed and wander as they find new territory. If you encounter an alligator, contact Madison Police and ask for Animal Control Officer to respond.

Do not feed the alligator. If a wild alligator has been fed by humans, it possibly will have to be put down due to human habituation. It is also illegal to shoot them with a weapon unless you are a certified wildlife warden.

“Please enjoy our diverse and interesting wildlife from a distance and leave these and other wildlife alone,” officials said.