Alligator Found Lounging On Florida Family's Front Doorstep

TAMPA (CBSMiami/CNN) - A Tampa family woke to a terrifying surprise, a big gator lounging comfortably by their front door and refusing to move.

It happened June 30th.

"We had an emergency alligator call this morning for this 8 foot 9 in gator," Croc Encounters, a reptile rescue facility, said on Facebook.

"The residents said they found the alligator early this morning and despite their efforts to get him to move he refused to leave. He was not too happy to be evicted from his comfortable, shady spot as he smashed everything in sight upon exiting."

Crowds of people gathered around the house to take a look at the alligator, who was removed by nuisance alligator trappers Karina Sura Paner and John Paner, who run Croc Encounters, "before someone got hurt."

Residents in the neighborhood had done their best to protect oblivious delivery drivers from the unwelcome guest by plastering a warning sign that read "Delivery stop! Leave packages here! Alligator at front door!! (seriously)."

The massive critter was missing two limbs, which is most likely the result of getting in a fight with another alligator, according to the alligator trappers.

While the creature has been kicked off the family's doorstep, he now has a home at the Croc Encounters facility.

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