When Hurricane Milton struck Florida, it didn't just leave behind destruction—it brought unexpected visitors into residents' backyards, pools, and even their homes. As residents began returning to their neighborhoods, some found themselves face-to-face with displaced wildlife, including alligators. These incidents highlight a reality for Floridians: nature can easily encroach on human spaces when disaster strikes.

One couple returning to their flooded home opened the door to find an alligator lounging inside. A clip shared on TMZ shows water streaming from the doorway as they cautiously investigate, only to realize they were not alone. Despite the shock, they handled the situation with humor, captioning the video, “Came home to a flood…and a new pet crocodile.”

Gators on the Move Post-Hurricane

In Stuart, Florida, Emile De Cuba experienced his own reptilian surprise. Returning after sheltering at his mother-in-law’s home, he found a four-foot alligator swimming in his backyard pool. The reptile likely climbed over his chain-link fence, disoriented by the floodwaters.

“The wildlife officer told me that it probably went over the chain-link fence because they can climb those,” De Cuba told UPI, underscoring the adaptability of these animals when seeking new territories.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission personnel were called to remove the animal, a task they are increasingly familiar with after major storms. As WPTV reports, De Cuba’s encounter reflects a growing trend: wild animals moving into human spaces after hurricanes uproot them from their usual habitats. As such, future hurricane preparations will likely include reinforcing his fencing to keep out unexpected visitors.

Close Encounters Across the State

Florida’s recent storms have caused widespread displacement of animals beyond just alligators. As storms surge, wildlife, such as snakes and even bears, are pushed into populated areas.

“The water pretty much pushed them obviously out of their pond areas,” Rene Walker of Tampa Bay Rescues, told NBC News. Walker also advised residents to avoid floodwaters where possible and warned, “I would not go in dark water. I would be extremely cautious.”

While not all encounters are as dramatic as having an alligator in one’s home, sightings near doorsteps, backyards, and even in residential pools have become common.

In Bonita Springs, a homeowner found an 8-foot alligator at his front door in the middle of the night, requiring a state-licensed trapper to help remove it, the Miami Herald reports. Such encounters stress the importance of staying vigilant, especially in the days following a major storm.

Staying Safe in Post-Hurricane Florida

Florida residents are becoming increasingly accustomed to these post-storm wildlife sightings. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, alligators and other creatures are disoriented and may be seen more frequently in residential areas following major storms. Officials advise homeowners not to attempt to capture or approach the animals themselves. Instead, they should contact local wildlife authorities who can safely handle these encounters.

While it’s not uncommon for wild animals to wander into urban areas following hurricanes, the frequency of these sightings continues to remind Floridians of their proximity to native wildlife. For those living near lakes or retention ponds, ensuring that property boundaries are secure can help prevent these surprise visits. Alligators are known for their resilience and agility; they can climb over fences and adapt quickly to changing environments.

With climate change predicted to increase the intensity of hurricanes, Floridians may face more frequent interactions with displaced wildlife.

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