United States: Family finds 3-meter alligator in swimming pool

A giant alligator in the United States had an early start to summer – jumping into a family’s pool.

A family in Deep Creek, Florida, was woken up by some “loud noises” in the early morning hours of Monday, according to a report. Sheriff’s Office Facebook post of Charlotte County.

When they went to investigate, they discovered the unexpected “guest”: a huge alligator, weighing 250 kg and about 3 meters long.

“He ripped the screen to get to the nice cool water,” the sheriff’s office said.

Sergeant Brad Stender told the CNN that these alligator encounters are not uncommon, especially during the alligator mating season in spring and summer – although this alligator stands out for its size.

“This ‘thing’ was just monstrous, gigantic,” Stender said.

Police officers at the scene called a specialist. With the help of three police officers, the hunter used a noose to pull the alligator out of the pool and then closed its mouth with duct tape so it could be safely transported.

The hunter already had another 3-meter alligator in his truck waiting to be transferred to a safer environment, so he had to put the reptile found in the pool in his trailer.

Stender told CNN that this was just one of several alligator calls he’s taken this week. “I enlisted to fight crime, here I am fighting ‘dinosaurs’,” the officer said.

The two alligators were safely moved to the nearby town of Muse, which is “more conducive” to alligators, Stender said.

He advised people to “keep their distance” if they encounter one of these animals.

“They won’t attack you if you don’t go to them. Most of the time they go their way.”

During the alligator’s mating season, Stender noted, the animals become more active, walking around in search of mates. This leads to an increased likelihood of human and alligator encounters, with the creatures appearing in pools, under vehicles and near homes.