Large 8-Foot Gator In Venice Barges Into Woman’s Home
Alligators are a way of life here in Florida, but something you don’t expect to see is a large 8-foot gator in Venice that barged into a woman’s home.
Living in Fort Myers, I see gators all the time. I live on a lake so I’m used to looking outside and seeing one or two either swimming around or sunning themselves. Even though I’ve been in Florida now for over 7 years, I still get excited to see them. I was actually over at Lexington Country Club the other day and saw the biggest gator I’ve ever seen next to a pond on the golf course. It was wild. Didn’t seem to be bothering anyone, but let’s just say if I hit a ball over near this fella, I’m not retrieving it. But as we know, seeing gators on golf courses and in ponds and lakes is normal, what’s not normal is seeing one in someone’s house.
Large 8-Foot Gator In Venice Barges Into Woman’s Home
Imaging walking in your kitchen to grab a bite to eat and finding a large 8-foot gator in there. That’s exactly what happened to Mary Hollenback of Venice. She lives in the Grand Palm community and according to NBC2 she heard some noises at her door, almost like an intruder. When she went to investigate, it was then that she found a gator that had barged into her house. The gator was big enough that it actually got itself stuck in between the island and the stove. Probably for the best, so it couldn’t go too far. Mary called 911. Sarasota County sheriff’s deputies, along with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, came to remove the gator that was almost 8 feet long. For as much as I like gators, I think seeing one in my kitchen would be a little too close for comfort. Especially with my dog in the house! Thankfully everyone was safe and the gator will be relocated.
These 14 Florida Animals Can Kill You
The Box Jellyfish
Did you know? Box jellyfish kill more people each year than sharks. A sting from a box jellyfish can stop your heart. More than 8 different species have caused deaths. And they’re not just here in the tropics. They’ve even, on occasion, made their way up to New Jersey where I’m sure someone guy probably tried to fight it.
I hate these guys - Brown Recluse Spider
I know someone that had multiple brown recluse spider bites on her arm and into her armpit. She didn’t die but it suuuuuuuuuucked. Necrosis, fever, vomiting are all likely symptoms.
The Deadly Black Widow Spider
You normally you won’t die if you get bit by one of these, but are you ready to take that chance? One time I was at a transmitter site and opened a panel to find a black widow nest waiting inside. Momma and all her babies. I don’t help with engineering anymore. Nope.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
It’s called a rattlesnake for a reason, it’ll rattle it’s tail to let you know you need to move on. If unheeded, this snake has an incredible painful bite. If you don’t get help immediately, you can die. Painfully.
The Big Bad Bull Shark
You knew there’d be a shark on this list. Big and aggressive, they cruise the coast of Florida. They’re generally not looking to bite humans but you know, things happen.
Florida's Most Famous - The Alligator
Class, this is what’s know as an Apex predator. Top of the food chain. More and more often we’re seeing these beasts on the golf course. Don’t wanna get eaten? Stick to Top Golf. I took this picture in the Everglades from an air boat. Was it smart to stop an airboat on shore next to an alligator? Probably not, but this is Florida.
Another snake - The Southern Copperhead
Look at how that thing blends in with the leaves – watch your step. Interesting fact, this snake will generally give you a warning strike with little or no venom. The second bite though… Strangely enough my cat does the same thing.
Soo....... Kissing Bugs?
It sounds friendly enough, except that the “kiss” is actually a bloodsucking bite. Not fun. But that’s not really where the real danger is. These bugs transfer a parasite that transmits Chagas, which may lead to fatal cardiac arrest.
The Great White Shark
Yes, as in “Jaws”. Like old people from New York, they come down here in the winter for the warmer climate. Fortunately they don’t have cars.
Fire Ants
I’ve been bit by fire ants many times, it’s not fun. Fortunately for me after the first couple of bites I’m smart enough to get out of the grass. If you’re allergic, or even if you get enough bites, your body can swell up to the point where you suffocate. The best way to avoid this is to stay inside and play video games. I’ve probably killed millions of these things in my yard over the last decade. But there’s always more.
Ooooooooooooh - Barracuda
Super sharp teeth and don’t normally attack humans. These things can swim up to 35 mph (OMG!) and if something shiny catches their eye, like a necklace on a swimmer, they might accidentally attack.
A Wild Boar
If you live in a rural area down here, you’ve seen these things. They are mean, and will attack. The best part? They’re full of diseases and bacteria – including anthrax. I knew a guy in North Fort Myers that spotted one but didn’t have his gun. So he killed it with a screwdriver. North Fort Myers people are different.
Florida Panther
True story, that picture was taken in Charlotte County. There’s actually no reported deaths in Florida from panther attacks, although they have been know to take down livestock. No human deaths in Florida, don’t want to be the first.
Black Bear
If they do attack, they tend to maul rather than kill. So, maybe scarring and horrible disfigurement? Black bears live in the rural areas and are quite known to sift through trash and if you leave pet food outside – you may get a new pet. These things are why people in Golden Gate have to be careful where they put their trash cans.
