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Large gator becomes unexpected houseguest

thumbnail_Gator in Charlotte County home 2.jpeg
Posted at 6:48 AM, Mar 31, 2022
and last updated 2022-03-31 06:48:40-04

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — A home under construction in Charlotte County became a shelter for an unwanted reptilian houseguest.

Jennifer Seward-Goodwin says the incident happened on March 14. Her site manager discovered the 12-foot alligator and promptly alerted a wrangler who came to the Punta Gorda site to retrieve the animal.

Seward-Goodwin says the gator caused about $2,500 in damage to the home, mostly in scratches and tears to surfaces.

A cold front swept through Southwest Florida over the time in question, which is likely why the gator sought refuge in the home.