An almost 8-foot-long alligator made its way into a woman’s home in Florida after entering through a screen door that was latched with a magnet. The homeowner, Mary Hollenback of Venice, was surprised to find the reptile in her house after hearing a banging sound at her door. She initially thought it was someone trying to enter the wrong house. Hollenback was frightened and shaken up by the unexpected visitor and immediately called 911 for help. Deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were able to safely remove the alligator from her home.
Hollenback recalled her initial thoughts upon discovering the alligator in her house, saying she was in disbelief and scared as to how she would get rid of it. The reptile made its way into her kitchen before authorities were able to intervene. Despite the frightening experience, she praised the officers for their calm and professional demeanor in handling the situation. Hollenback suspected that the alligator came from a nearby pond and expressed surprise that none of her neighbors had seen it. She jokingly remarked that having an alligator in the house was something that could only happen in Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides safety guidelines for dealing with alligators on its website. It advises against handling any alligator, regardless of its size, as bites can lead to serious infections and are illegal. If an alligator under 4 feet is found in a swimming pool, on a porch, or in a similar situation, individuals are encouraged to call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline for assistance. Hollenback praised the officers for their swift response and efficient removal of the alligator from her home, noting that they treated the situation as routine.
The incident, though unnerving for Hollenback, ended without any injuries or damage to her property. The encounter served as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife in Florida, particularly alligators, and the importance of knowing how to handle such situations. Hollenback’s story quickly gained media attention, highlighting the unique and sometimes unexpected encounters residents in Florida may have with wildlife. She hopes that her experience will serve as a cautionary tale for others living in areas where alligators are prevalent, emphasizing the need to stay informed and prepared for any encounters with these creatures.
