When the Hofmanns—Allan and his wife Sandy—settled into their new home in Palmetto, Florida, they received an unexpected welcome from the state’s native wildlife. While Allan was walking his dog on a Sunday morning, he spotted a massive, mud‑covered alligator resting under the couple’s driveway golf cart.

Unexpected backyard visitor

The 8‑foot, 300‑pound reptile appeared to have slipped through the backyard from a nearby preserve, according to the couple. “We got that a lot from our neighbors saying, ‘Oh, welcome to Florida,'” Sandy said, recalling the initial reaction. “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, anyone walking behind him could be in danger.”

Quick response from wildlife officials

Allan first tried to coax the animal away with a pool noodle, but the alligator hissed in response, prompting the couple to call 911. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trappers arrived shortly thereafter. They hosed down the muddy reptile, secured it safely, and relocated it to a more appropriate habitat.

Lesson for newcomers

The encounter left visible claw marks on the concrete driveway, a reminder of the close proximity between residential areas and Florida’s abundant wildlife. The Hofmanns hope their story serves as a warning to other newcomers: keep a safe distance from local wildlife and be prepared for the occasional surprise that comes with living in the Sunshine State.

While the alligator was safely removed, the incident underscores the importance of understanding Florida’s unique environment, especially for those relocating from regions where such wildlife encounters are rare.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.