New Florida residents find gator in driveway
A recent move from Philadelphia to Florida came with an unexpected welcome package for one local couple: an eight-foot alligator resting under their driveway golf cart. FOX 13’s Kailey Tracy reports.
PALMETTO, Fla. – A recent move from Philadelphia to Florida came with an unexpected welcome package for one local couple: an eight-foot alligator resting under their driveway golf cart.
Unexpected welcome
The backstory:
Allan Hofmann was returning from walking his dog Sunday morning when he spotted the 300-pound reptile lounging near his vehicle. He and his wife Sandy believe the alligator cut through the couple’s backyard from a nearby preserve, as he was covered in mud.
Allan Hofmann initially tried to nudge the animal along using a pool noodle. The alligator responded by hissing, he said. They called 911.
Trappers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived shortly after, hosing down the muddy reptile before safely securing and relocating it.
What they’re saying:
“We got that a lot from our neighbors saying, ‘Oh, welcome to Florida,'” Sandy Hofmann said. “At first, I wasn’t as scared as I should have been because I’m not used to them … but it was scary because if he started moving around, even if anybody walked behind him, he jolted up.”
The alligator left visible claw marks on the concrete driveway. The couple said they hope their story serves as a warning for other newcomers to keep a safe distance from local wildlife.
The Source: Information in this story is from Sandy and Allan Hofmann.