Florida woman shocked to find large alligator crawling through her home: ‘I was shaking’

In a shocking incident that sounds like a scene from a Floridian folklore, Mary Hollenback of Venice, Florida, experienced a heart-pounding surprise when she discovered an almost 8-foot-long alligator sauntering through her home on March 28. The unexpected visitor had managed to breach her residence by pushing through a screen door, which was secured only by a magnet.

The peaceful evening took a startling turn when Hollenback, relaxing on her living room couch, was disturbed by a banging sound at her door. Initially mistaking the noise for a person mistakenly trying to enter her home, she decided to investigate the source. To her disbelief, she was met not by a person but by a large alligator casually making its way into her living space.

Describing the moment of discovery to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, Hollenback recounted her initial shock. “One is, ‘Oh my gosh, I have an alligator in my house,’ and number two is, ‘Oh my gosh, I have an alligator in my house; How am I going to get rid of him?’,” she said, highlighting the dual shock and concern for the uninvited guest’s removal. Overwhelmed with fear, she was shaking as she dialed 911 for help.

The alligator, seemingly unbothered by its unfamiliar surroundings, proceeded to explore Hollenback’s home, eventually settling in the kitchen. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), arrived on the scene to handle the situation. Measuring the alligator at 7 feet, 11 inches, the officials skillfully and calmly removed the reptile, restoring peace to Hollenback’s rattled nerves.

Hollenback praised the officers for their professionalism, remarking on their cool demeanor as if an alligator inside a home was an everyday occurrence. She speculated that the alligator had come from the pond across the street, a detail that surprised both her and her neighbors, given that no one saw it approaching her house.

This bizarre encounter serves as a reminder of the unique wildlife interactions possible in Florida, prompting Hollenback to comment, “Only in Florida are you going to get an alligator in the house.” The FWC offers advice and safety tips for residents to deal with alligator encounters, emphasizing that alligators under 4 feet in length generally pose no danger to people or pets unless provoked. However, the agency strongly advises against handling an alligator of any size due to the risk of serious infection from bites and the legal ramifications.

Hollenback’s experience highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness for wildlife encounters in areas where humans and animals closely coexist. It also showcases the efficiency and readiness of local wildlife officials in managing such unexpected situations, ensuring the safety of both residents and the animals themselves.

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