What was first thought to be a human intruder turned out to be a 9-foot-6 alligator breaking into a family’s pool enclosure around 3 a.m. in Tampa, Florida
TAMPA, Fla. — One uninvited guest caused a major ruckus in the middle of the night at a Tampa family’s home.
What was first thought to be a human intruder turned out to be a 9-foot-6 alligator breaking into the lanai just after 3 a.m. on March 29.
In a video posted by the Tampa Police Department, the gator seemed irritated by the officers and nuisance alligator trapper disturbing its swim session.
Officers assisted the trapper in pulling the gator into the pool, where it continued to thrash around underwater.
“So, he’ll just frolic around and wear himself out?” the officer asked.
“Yeah,” the trapper responded. “That’ll burn some of that energy off.”
Ultimately, the crew was able to tie up the gator, pull it out of the pool and load it into the back of a pickup truck while it hissed the entire time.
Alligators are known to hiss as a defensive warning to predators, competitors or humans who get too close.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gator courtship begins in early April before mating starts in May and June.
A gator can be considered a nuisance if it’s at least 4 feet long and poses a threat to people, pets or property. Anyone concerned about a nuisance alligator is urged to contact local authorities.