A South Florida homeowner got an early-morning surprise when her dog's barking turned out to be a warning about something much bigger than a raccoon or stray cat.
Instead, an alligator had somehow made its way into the family's backyard pool for a swim, reported Local 10 News.
What happened?
An alligator was in Liliana Gonzalez's backyard pool at her home in the Laguna Isles neighborhood in Pembroke Pines early Sunday, a discovery she made after her dog started barking.
A trapper later removed the reptile and took it to a more suitable habitat after Gonzalez asked for help.
Because the yard is fenced, Gonzalez thinks the alligator got over the barrier to enter the property, a reminder that wildlife can wind up in residential spaces in parts of Florida where homes sit close to ponds, canals, and other waterways.
Anyone worried about a gator near a home can contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
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The agency also advises residents near ponds and canals to stay alert and never feed wild alligators.
Why does it matter?
In Florida, residential development often overlaps with the habitats alligators rely on, including wetlands, canals, and retention ponds.
Pools, patios, and fenced yards can become accidental extensions of the same landscape wildlife already moves through.
As neighborhoods expand into or alongside natural habitat, people and wild animals are more likely to cross paths. A backyard pool may look like a safe, private space to a homeowner, but to an alligator, it can resemble a convenient body of water.
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What can I do?
If your property backs up to a pond, canal, or similar water feature, check outdoor areas before letting dogs out, especially early in the morning or after dark, when visibility is lower.
One of the FWC's basic warnings is not to feed alligators. Feeding them can reduce their natural fear of people and make them more likely to return to homes, docks, or yards.
If an alligator shows up near your house, do not try to handle it yourself. Keep your distance, bring pets inside, and contact trained professionals.
In Florida, that means calling the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
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