Deputies respond after homeowner discovers terrifying visitor in backyard — and it’s becoming a growing issue

[Pelican Press 0]

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Deputies respond after homeowner discovers terrifying visitor in backyard — and it’s becoming a growing issue

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

sightings in Florida are nothing new, but

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

between humans and wildlife are becoming more frequent as development encroaches on natural habitats. One recent incident in Key Largo underscored this growing trend.

What’s happening?

Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home in the Pirates Cove neighborhood near Mile Marker 98 in Key Largo on Jan. 31, after residents found a large alligator swimming in their pool,

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Fox 35.

Photos and videos

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

on social media showed the deputies removing the large reptile from the residents’ backyard pool.

While officials haven’t confirmed how the alligator ended up in the pool, these kinds of

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

are becoming increasingly common as human expansion continues to reshape ecosystems.

Why is this important?

Although gator sightings are part of life in Florida, incidents like this highlight a growing concern:

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

are on the rise due to habitat destruction, climate change, and urban sprawl. As wetlands shrink and natural waterways become more

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

, animals are forced into residential areas in search of food, water, and shelter.

Similar

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

have been reported across the state, with alligators found in

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

,

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

, and even inside

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Beyond the initial shock, these encounters pose safety risks for both humans and animals. While alligators are typically not aggressive toward humans, they can become defensive when cornered or provoked, leading to potential injury or the need for euthanization.

What’s being done about it?

Florida officials are taking steps to protect both residents and wildlife through wetland preservation projects, development regulations, and community education initiatives. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

provides resources for safely handling alligator encounters and relocating animals when necessary.

Conservation efforts show how protecting natural ecosystems can reduce these encounters and better protect communities. For example, projects to restore Florida’s wetlands not only benefit wildlife but also help prevent flooding, improve water quality, and support biodiversity.

Individuals can also take steps to reduce human-wildlife interactions by securing outdoor trash, fencing off backyard pools, and avoiding feeding wildlife — which can make animals more comfortable around humans.

Protecting wildlife ultimately safeguards the balance of our environment. By prioritizing conservation efforts, we can reduce human-wildlife encounters and create safer, healthier ecosystems for both people and animals.

Join our

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

#Deputies #respond #homeowner #discovers #terrifying #visitor #backyard #growing #issue

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up