Gator spotted enjoying a 'spa day' near East Beach in Galveston

A family enjoying a trip to the beach on Friday found themselves sharing the Gulf with a large gator. They were in the water off Galveston's East Beach until a photojournalist warned them that the gator was nearby.

"Get out of the water, y'all," the photographer said, pointing out the alligator.

"Oh my gosh!" the mom said as she and the kids climbed to safety on some large rocks.

A couple of fishermen nearby didn't seem fazed by the creature.

Josh Henderson, the city of Galveston's animal services supervisor and wildlife officer, wasn't concerned either.

"He's not hurting anything out there, that's where he belongs," Henderson said.

He explained that gators in the Gulf aren't unheard of, although he'd never seen one in that area before. Henderson said alligators typically leave their freshwater habitat to get rid of parasites that can't tolerate saltwater.

"From time to time, they will make a journey into the saltwater, the saltwater effectively clears off their freshwater parasites," Henderson said. "So alligator's here enjoying that spa day and as long as he's left alone, he'll go right back where he came from."

Henderson said it usually only takes a few hours in the saltwater to get rid of the parasites, especially after a lot of rain.

In recent years, other gators have also been seen on Pirate's Beach, Jamaica Beach, McFaddin Beach, near Galveston's north jetty and near Bolivar.

Visitors are advised to give wildlife a wide berth and not approach them.

Got a news tip or story idea? Text it to us at 713-526-1111.