The trapper Todd Hardwick and his team from Pesky Critters recently rescued 21 crocodile hatchlings trapped in a residential pool filter in Miami-Dade County. The rescue, conducted under the watchful eye of the mother crocodile, who was about 15 feet away in a nearby canal, was successfully completed without any hitches, the company noted on Facebook.
The hatchlings, originally deposited in a nest created by the mother at the base of a statue in the residence's garden, instinctively headed towards the nearby pool after hatching. However, their journey ended in the pool filter, where they became trapped. Hardwick carefully removed them one by one, ensuring they were unhurt.
After the rescue, the hatchlings were weighed, measured, and tagged for tracking before being returned to their mother. This incident serves as an important reminder for Florida residents to always check their pools before use, especially in areas where wildlife coexists closely with residential zones.
In May, Martin Brenner, a resident of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, never imagined encountering a 10-foot-long alligator in his home pool, but that's exactly what happened. The unusual part, according to the homeowner in the Venetian Bay community, was the surprising way it entered: "It didn't tear anything or cause any damage, just pushed the piece of protective mesh," reported News 6.
In 2023, Wildlife Protection agents captured a massive American crocodile bathing in a backyard pool in the Florida Keys. According to authorities, a homeowner in Plantation Kay contacted them around 2:00 am on Sunday to report a peculiar swimmer in his pool.
FAQs About Wildlife in Residential Areas of Florida
Given the recent incidents involving crocodiles and alligators in residential pools, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help residents stay informed and safe.
What should I do if I find a crocodile or alligator in my pool?
If you find a crocodile or alligator in your pool, immediately contact local wildlife authorities or a professional trapper. Do not attempt to remove the animal yourself, as it can be dangerous.
How can I prevent wildlife from entering my pool?
To prevent wildlife from entering your pool, make sure to secure any fencing or protective mesh around the pool area. Regularly inspect your pool and its surroundings for any signs of wildlife activity.
Are crocodile encounters common in residential areas of Florida?
While not extremely common, encounters with crocodiles and alligators can occur in residential areas of Florida, especially in regions close to natural water bodies. Staying vigilant and taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of such encounters.