In an unusual encounter that sounds more like Florida folklore than a suburban Sunday, Paul Quinn of Gateway, Florida, awoke to a 7-foot alligator rummaging in his kitchen. The man was understandably startled by the reptilian visitor who had torn through a screen to enter his Fort Myers home, reported ClickOrlando.

Quinn, who expected a regular quiet morning to check his emails, found himself face-to-face with the gator. During that time, Quinn wisely kept his distance and managed to capture photos of the encounter.

While the Quinns typically leave their doors open to enjoy the Florida breeze, Paul's wife Mary Jo, upon hearing of the incident, rushed home to assure her husband's safety and expressed her disbelief and concern asking "Why did it come to your house, MJ? Two, how much an animal control charge to take it away, I would have been ticked had there been a bill," according to the couple's statement to Gulf Coast News Now. The gator left behind a toothy souvenir and a bitten chair, but no injuries or costs were incurred.

For residents facing similar concerns, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), which oversees contracted trappers ready to relocate these scaly squatters safely. Those needing assistance are encouraged to contact the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline, shared by Gulf Coast News Now, ensuring prompt intervention to mitigate any reptilian run-ins.