A hefty alligator decided to stretch out in the front yard of a home in the Burnt Store Isles neighborhood of Punta Gorda this week, turning a quiet lawn into a very Florida photo op. Neighbors recorded the uninvited guest as it lounged on the grass, then passed the video along to local authorities.
Video and police photos show the visitor
The short clip, which local aggregators say was first shared by 10 Tampa Bay before making the rounds on Spot On Florida, shows the gator soaking up the sun near the house before ambling back toward nearby water. Punta Gorda police later posted still photos of the reptile on their official accounts, according to WWSB.
What wildlife officials advise
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says anyone concerned about a nuisance alligator should call its Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866‑FWC‑GATOR (866‑392‑4286). The agency will dispatch a contracted trapper to remove animals that pose a threat. FWC also reminds residents to keep pets on leashes, never feed alligators, and avoid swimming in non-designated areas at dusk and dawn, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Neighbors say sightings aren't rare
Local residents say that a surprise guest like this is still just part of life in southwest Florida, where deputies have been called before to pull hefty reptiles from yards and pools around Punta Gorda. One high-profile example, when deputies hauled a nearly 11-foot alligator out of a family swimming pool, was reported by ABC15.
