PALMETTO, Fla. – A recent move from Philadelphia to Florida came with an unexpected welcome package for one local couple: an eight-foot alligator resting under their driveway golf cart.
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Unexpected welcome
The backstory:
Allan Hofmann was returning from walking his dog Sunday morning when he spotted the 300-pound reptile lounging near his vehicle. He and his wife Sandy believe the alligator cut through the couple’s backyard from a nearby preserve, as he was covered in mud.
Allan Hofmann initially tried to nudge the animal along using a pool noodle. The alligator responded by hissing, he said. They called 911.
Credit: Sandra Hofmann
Trappers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived shortly after, hosing down the muddy reptile before safely securing and relocating it.
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What they’re saying:
“We got that a lot from our neighbors saying, ‘Oh, welcome to Florida,'” Sandy Hofmann said. “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, even if anybody walked behind him, he jolted up.”
Credit: Sandra Hofmann
The alligator left visible claw marks on the concrete driveway. The couple said they hope their story serves as a warning for other newcomers to keep a safe distance from local wildlife.
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