Photo: Posnov / Moment / Getty Images
Fort Myers, FL - A Florida neighborhood had an unexpected scare last week when an alligator was seen climbing and striking at a front door in the Tortuga community near Fort Myers, roughly 145 miles southeast of Tampa.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies from the 3rd Precinct responded to reports on Friday of a suspicious animal after residents alerted authorities about the reptile’s unusual behavior.
Bodycam footage released by the sheriff’s office showed the alligator standing on its hind legs and appearing to knock, or leap, toward a home's front door, startling residents.
Deputies managed to subdue the alligator without incident and turned it over to a licensed trapper.
No injuries or property damage were reported, and the situation was resolved peacefully.
In a humorous social media post, the sheriff’s office joked, “How’s that for taking a BITE outta crime?”
While the event raised eyebrows, wildlife experts say these encounters are not uncommon this time of year.
May marks the peak of alligator mating season in Florida.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), courtship among alligators begins in April, with mating typically occurring in May and June.
During this period, males become more aggressive and territorial, often traveling outside their usual habitats in search of mates.
The FWC urges residents to stay vigilant near water sources, especially during dawn and dusk.
Anyone who encounters an alligator believed to pose a threat should call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR.