Early Friday morning, firefighters removed a 12-foot alligator that was lunging at cars in Boiling Spring Lakes, North Carolina.

Crews were called around 1 a.m. to assist the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office with the alligator, which was blocking traffic.

After initial attempts to guide the gator across the road failed, firefighters used a gentle spray of water to encourage it to retreat to its natural habitat.

The operation likely saved the alligator’s life and ensured the safety of motorists, Fox News has reported.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office thanked the firefighters for their assistance.

Written by B.C. Begley