Florida Family Calls Authorities to Remove Eight-Foot Alligator from Backyard Pool
NAPLES, Fla. — A Florida family’s peaceful night was interrupted when a large alligator decided to take an unexpected swim in their backyard pool. Around 1 a.m., Rob Emhoff’s wife let their dog outside and heard splashing coming from the pool behind their Naples home. What they saw next was a striking sight — a nearly eight-foot-long alligator leisurely swimming and resting near the basketball hoop.
“Next, you know, we saw, like, the huge shadow become, you know, this crazy striped alligator,” Emhoff told WINK-TV. “He was down over there at the deep end. And then he moved over. He’s right by the basketball hoop. There he was just kind of hanging out. He kept going to the bottom. Then he was popping his head up.”
Concerned for their safety and that of their dog, the Emhoffs contacted the Collier County non-emergency line. Within approximately 10 minutes, a professional trapper arrived on the scene to handle the situation. The capture was not without resistance. “It started hissing, and then he started whipping its tail, and yeah, he wasn’t happy. Definitely wasn’t happy,” Emhoff recalled.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regularly responds to such calls, as Florida’s abundant wetlands and waterways make encounters with alligators common, especially in residential areas near natural habitats. The FWC advises residents to remain calm and contact local authorities when an alligator is found in an unusual location, such as a swimming pool or backyard.
This incident is just one of several recent alligator encounters in the state. Earlier this week, employees at the Hendry County State Attorney’s Office found a large alligator blocking the entrance to their building. With assistance from the FWC, the reptile was safely relocated. The office humorously referred to the gator as their “four-legged, 18-toed friend” on social media.
Florida’s unique ecosystem supports a significant population of American alligators, which are protected under state law. The FWC provides detailed guidelines on safely coexisting with these reptiles, emphasizing that alligators generally avoid humans but can become bold in urban environments.
For residents encountering an alligator, the FWC recommends contacting local wildlife authorities rather than attempting to remove the animal themselves. The agency’s trained professionals use specialized equipment to safely capture and relocate alligators, ensuring public safety and the well-being of the animals.
More information on alligator safety and reporting can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website. Residents of Collier County can also reach out to the Collier County government for local non-emergency assistance.
As the New Year approaches, Floridians are reminded to stay vigilant and respect the natural wildlife that shares their environment. The Emhoff family’s late-night visitor serves as a vivid reminder of the state’s rich biodiversity and the importance of wildlife management.
For tips on safely living alongside Florida’s native wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers resources and guidance. Additionally, the Ready.gov platform provides safety information for encounters with wild animals.
While this alligator’s pool party ended without injury, it highlights the ongoing need for awareness and cooperation between residents and wildlife officials in Florida’s unique environment.
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