A Louisiana woman discovered a giant alligator on her doorstep on Oct. 5, prompting local deputies to issue a warning to area residents.
The Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office in Saint Martinville shared pictures of the gator, showing it relaxing among some flower pots on the front stoop.
“Always look before you step!” the sheriff’s office warned.
The gator was at a house in Breaux Bridge, reported KATC. It was ultimately removed from the house by a patrol deputy.
The pictures prompted a number of responses from people.
“Everybody needs one like that for those people who come and steal other people’s stuff,” said one Facebook user.
“No thank you,” added another.
“Very inviting smile,” said another.
You could call it a Louisiana door stop! A 6 foot gator blocks a family's front door trapping them inside. #fox35 https://t.co/g6Fw2VkCRa
— Bob Frier (@Fox35Bob) October 8, 2018
Nuisance
According to the Lousiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, approximately 3,000 nuisance alligators are removed from near houses and other populated areas each year.
Not all alligators are considered nuisance alligators, though.
“The mere presence of an alligator does not qualify it as a nuisance, even if it is located in an unexpected place. Most alligators, if left alone, will move on. Alligators less than 4 feet in length are naturally fearful of humans and are generally not a threat to pets, livestock, or humans,” the department stated.
“Alligators at least 4 feet in length that present a threat to pets, livestock, or humans are considered ‘nuisance’ alligators.”
The department noted that at certain times of the year, gators switch living habitats, so officials prefer people to hold off on calling authorities unless the gators remain in their area for several days.
“If the alligator is not approaching people or otherwise posing an obvious threat, wait a few days if possible—even up to a week—before contacting LDWF. In spring and summer, alligators are moving to breed or find new habitat,” the department said.
“Most of the alligators moving around are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger alligators. Usually, these smaller alligators will move further on in a week or two.”
