An alligator made its way into a Florida woman’s home by pushing through a screen door that was latched shut with a magnet. The homeowner, Mary Hollenback, found the nearly 8-foot-long reptile after hearing a banging sound at her door. She initially thought it was someone trying to get into the wrong house, but was shocked to discover the large alligator strolling through her living room. Hollenback called 911 in fear and the authorities were able to remove the alligator from her home.
Hollenback recalled feeling a mixture of shock and fear when she realized there was an alligator in her house. She was unsure of how to get rid of the reptile and immediately called 911 for help. The alligator had made its way into the kitchen before officers arrived and were able to safely remove it from the premises. Hollenback praised the calm and professional response of the authorities and expressed surprise that the alligator had managed to enter her home undetected.
The homeowner believes the alligator came from the pond across the street before making its way into her house. She noted the surprising nature of the incident and commented on the fact that her neighbors had not seen the alligator approaching. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises against handling any alligators, regardless of size, due to the potential for serious infections from bites. They recommend calling the Nuisance Alligator Hotline if an alligator is found in a potentially dangerous situation.
The FWC has safety tools and tips on their website for dealing with encounters with alligators. They warn that alligators under 4 feet in length may not be dangerous, unless handled, and that it is illegal to do so. The website also provides information on how to handle situations when an alligator is found in locations such as swimming pools or porches. Hollenback expressed her shock at the unusual occurrence, stating that only in Florida would someone find an alligator in their home.
Authorities from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were called to remove the nearly 8-foot-long alligator from Mary Hollenback’s home in Venice. Hollenback had initially thought the banging she heard on her door was someone trying to get into the wrong house, but was alarmed to find the alligator walking through her living room. The calm and professional response of the officers in removing the alligator was praised by Hollenback.
The incident of the alligator entering a Florida woman’s home caused shock and fear for Mary Hollenback as she dialed 911 for help. The alligator, measuring 7 feet 11 inches, had made its way into Hollenback’s kitchen before the authorities arrived. The homeowner was surprised by the presence of the alligator in her home and praised the professionalism of the officers who removed it. The FWC advises against handling alligators and provides a hotline for reporting potentially dangerous encounters with the reptiles. Only in Florida would a homeowner find an alligator strolling through their living room, an unusual incident that highlights the unique wildlife encounters in the state.
