This week, Cuban meteorologist Rubén Capote shared a video capturing a massive American alligator lounging on a cobblestone path, right in front of a home's main entrance in Sarasota, Florida, sparking a flood of comments from his followers.
The video, taken at night last Tuesday by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, was released to Capote for social media sharing.
The large, dark-colored reptile with slightly open jaws is seen occupying the home's entrance, surrounded by ornamental plants, as if it owns the place.
Capote, who leads the Meteorology Department at Telemundo 49 in Tampa, Hillsborough County, used the post to warn his followers.
"Alligator mating season is upon us, and our scaly neighbors are popping up everywhere... even at your doorstep! Remember to keep your distance and leave them alone. They're looking for a mate, not a new roommate," he wrote.
Alligator mating season in Florida begins in April and goes through June, a period when males become more active and territorial, venturing out of their usual habitats and increasing encounters with residents in urban and suburban areas.
Florida is home to approximately 1.3 million American alligators spread across its 67 counties, making it one of the states with the highest density of these reptiles worldwide, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Sarasota, located on the state's southwest coast, is one of the areas with a notable alligator presence, and encounters with residents are common each spring.
This isn't the first occurrence of such an event in the area: in April 2024, a huge alligator entered directly into a kitchen of a house in Venice, also in Sarasota County, and had to be removed by five officials.
The video sparked hundreds of comments, many from Cubans who approached the situation with their distinctive humor.
"In Cuba: 'Today's meal is served, bring me the pot,'" one person humorously remarked.
Alligator Encounters in Florida
What is the duration of alligator mating season in Florida?
Alligator mating season in Florida typically starts in April and lasts until June.
How many American alligators live in Florida?
Florida is home to about 1.3 million American alligators distributed across its 67 counties.
Why do alligators appear more frequently during mating season?
During mating season, male alligators become more active and territorial, often moving away from their usual habitats, which leads to more frequent encounters with humans.