A resident of the Florida Keys was greeted by an uninvited guest on Friday morning, whom he promptly chased away with a broom. The intruder was a massive alligator that had decided to take a dip in the home's pool. Without hesitation, the homeowner, aided by a law enforcement officer, managed to remove the creature.
A video uploaded on Facebook by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office captures the moment when an officer, equipped with a shovel, attempts to intimidate the reptile. Subsequently, a man, presumably the homeowner, arrives wielding a broom and proceeds to push, poke, and ultimately evict the alligator from the premises.
"MCSO Sergeant James Hager assisted residents in the Pirates Cove subdivision, near Mile Marker 98 in Key Largo, to remove this unwanted guest from their yard/pool," the post elaborates.
An accompanying image vividly displays the size and shape of the creature, identified as an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Its broad snout, dark coloration, and the location in the Florida Keys support this identification.
Alligator Encounters in Florida Keys
How common are alligator encounters in the Florida Keys?
Alligator sightings in the Florida Keys are relatively rare compared to other parts of Florida. However, they do occur, especially in areas with water bodies.
What should residents do if they find an alligator in their pool?
Residents should contact local authorities or wildlife officials to safely handle and remove the alligator. It is not advisable to approach or try to remove the animal on your own.