In Florida, a woman named Mary Hollenback found herself in a terrifying situation when an 8-foot-long alligator managed to enter her home through a screen door that was latched shut with a magnet. She discovered the reptile after hearing a banging sound at her door and initially thought it was someone attempting to enter the wrong house. Hollenback, who was home alone at the time, was shocked to find the alligator walking through her living room. She immediately dialed 911 in a state of fear and panic, while the alligator made its way to the kitchen, hissing loudly.
Deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were able to successfully remove the alligator from Hollenback’s home after it had been inside for over an hour. Despite the frightening situation, Hollenback praised the officers for their calm and professional handling of the situation. She believes the alligator likely came from a pond across the street before entering her home, surprising both her and her neighbors. The FWC stresses the importance of not handling alligators, even small ones, as bites can result in serious infection and are also illegal.
The FWC provides safety tools and tips on their website for handling encounters with alligators. They advise that alligators less than 4 feet in length are generally not dangerous unless provoked or handled. In the event of finding a small alligator in a swimming pool, on a porch, or in a similar situation, individuals are urged to contact the Nuisance Alligator Hotline for assistance. Hollenback expressed her gratitude towards the responding officers and shared her experience of having an alligator unexpectedly entering her home, a unique and alarming situation that emulates the wildlife encounters found in Florida.
Despite the shocking and potentially dangerous situation, Hollenback managed to remain calm and take appropriate action by contacting the authorities for help. The quick response and professional handling of the situation by law enforcement and wildlife officers ensured that the alligator was safely removed from her home without any injuries or further incident. Hollenback’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, especially in a state like Florida where alligators are a common sight. The incident highlights the importance of following safety guidelines and seeking assistance when dealing with potentially dangerous wildlife situations.
