A family in Southwest Florida got a shocking surprise on March 28, when they encountered an unwelcomed guest in their kitchen – an alligator!
According to the Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Hollenback family had been going about their day when they heard a strange noise coming from the kitchen. Upon investigation, they were met with the sight of an eight-foot alligator that had somehow managed to enter their home through the screen door that had been latched shut with a magnet.
At first the family thought it was a person who had entered their home, and when they walked into their living room, that’s when they spotted the alligator walking through the house.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the encounter. The family was shocked and admittedly stunned; they wisely called 911, the Sarasota County Animal Control and the Wildlife Conservation Commission. Trappers arrived at the scene and were able to safely remove the alligator from the kitchen and is expected to be relocated to an alligator farm.
Alligator encounters are not uncommon in Florida, but it’s rare for them to find their way inside a residence. This incident serves as a reminder to residents to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to keep their homes secure from unwanted wildlife.
Here are some tips for keeping your home alligator-free:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Alligators can be found in freshwater habitats throughout Florida, including lakes, rivers, canals, and swamps.
- Secure your property. Make sure your fences are in good condition and there are no gaps that an alligator could squeeze through.
- Remove attractants. Alligators are attracted to food sources. Don’t leave pet food outside, and keep your grill clean.
- Don’t feed alligators. It’s illegal and dangerous to feed alligators. Feeding them teaches them to associate humans with food, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
If you encounter an alligator, stay calm and back away slowly. Do not approach the animal or try to remove it yourself. Call your local animal control agency for assistance.
(Photos via Mary Hollenback)
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