Tim Nguyen, a property owner in Southwest Miami-Dade, was taken aback when he discovered an unexpected guest in his garden. Who was the visitor? A massive, eleven-foot alligator that weighed an incredible four hundred pounds. Nguyen’s watchful canines alerted him to the situation by growling angrily at the large reptile, which made him look into the disturbance.
It was Nguyen’s first experience, after six years of owning his farm, coming across such a powerful animal on his land. “I heard my dogs barking a lot,” he recounted. “I went to see what was going on and they were barking a lot. An alligator was over there. I was just so nervous. And I was scared. I was very scared and I called 911 right away.”
Miami-Dade Police and veteran wildlife trapper Todd Hardwick of Pesky Critters arrived on the scene quickly and got to work. Having worked in alligator removal for 42 years, Hardwick quickly assessed the issue and created a plan to safely remove the alligator from Nguyen’s home.
“This is typical this time of year,” explained Hardwick. “This is a male alligator a little over 11 feet that got out of the canal last night and was looking maybe for geese or a meal and the ladies.” Shedding light on the behavior of alligators during the warmer months, he emphasized their increased activity and heightened metabolism, factors that contribute to their ventures onto dry land in search of sustenance and mates.
Residents are reminded to exercise caution by Hardwick’s remarks, particularly while near bodies of water, important habitats for these apex predators. These kinds of incidents highlight how crucial it is to proceed with caution and notify authorities right away if you spot an alligator.
Even though it’s standard procedure for seasoned pros like Hardwick, removal is not without risk. “Trapping alligators is not something you want to attempt on your own. It’s dangerous and against the law. It is still harmful after 42 years of discovery,” he said, highlighting the necessity of using qualified people to handle such circumstances.
Authorities warn locals against trying to handle or approach alligators on their own. Rather, they suggest keeping a safe distance and reporting any encounters as soon as possible to the state’s Nuisance Alligator hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). By doing this, qualified experts can be sent to evaluate the circumstance and implement the necessary measures.
Notably, state law forbids harassing or killing alligators, underscoring the significance of living in harmony with these animals. Urban areas are encroaching more and more on natural ecosystems, making it increasingly important for people to recognize and appreciate the wildlife that lives there.
The incident that Nguyen experienced serves as a sobering reminder of the untamed and wild nature that is always present. Even though they are uncommon, these incidents show how important it is to be ready and use caution when residing near the outdoors. Residents can reduce the dangers of coming into contact with wildlife and promote a peaceful coexistence with the natural environment by being well informed and aware of their surroundings.
