Florida Family Finds 11-Foot Alligator Lounging In Pool

Members of a Florida family who were awakened by a commotion in their backyard on Tuesday were shocked to discover the source — a 550-pound alligator had decided to take a dip in their pool.

The gator, which measured nearly 11 feet long, had torn through a screen to gain access to the pool, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office — and it wasn’t eager to give up its newfound cooling spot.

Deputies and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission had to wrestle with the large reptile for “some time” to get it out of cement pond, wildlife experts say.

Following the incident, sheriff’s deputies posted the following message on Facebook: “Water Safety Month, Tip #37: Always check your pool before diving in.”