East Lake Woodlands Alligator Found in Kitchen

Everyone around the East Lake area was talking about the East Lake Woodlands resident who found an alligator in her kitchen the other night.  It was on all the late news channels and I don't think anyone in the area missed it.

As it turns out the woman lived on the first floor and the alligator broke through the screened patio and came in an open door. The local Deputies believe he was after her cat.  Most people would have been quite frighened at the sight of an 8' hungry alligator in their kitchen, but Sandra Frosti kept her cool very well and quite calmly called 911.  In fact after the deputies arrived she was all smiles and even made a few jokes about the episode.

This time of year alligators get pretty hungry and leave nearby ponds in search of food.  Plus the warm weather makes them more active.  Most all ponds in Florida have alligators.  It's just something we have to get used to.  Many people, myself included, pay extra money when buying a home to live on a pond.  And, the East Lake area has tons of ponds. Living on a pond is the next best thing to the bay or a lake - and much cheaper too.  The view is enjoyable and the breeze that comes off the pond can be felt on the patio.  It's really quite nice and many people don't really think about the alligators nearby - at least until they show up in your kitchen!  Really though most of the time alligators are more afraid of humans than we are of them and they keep their distance.  Not this time though, and this alligator was captured by the authorities and removed from the area. 

This story reminded me of the time my son woke us up out of a dead sleep to tell us that an alligator was knocking his head on our front door.  He was trying to get back to the pond behind our house but got stuck in our entrance way instead.  As soon as we turned on the light, he left. 

I couldn't help but remember our experience the next morning when I decided to leave my dog at home and take my daily walk alone on the Pinellas Trail.  Upon coming back from my walk, here's what I found two doors from my Lansbrook house.  Had it not for a few neighbors waving at me and warning me, I probably would have walked right in front of him.  Plus, if I had my friendly dog with me that could have been a disaster. At this time of year it is best to keep children, dogs, and cats close by.

Update on our Lansbrook alligator:  Today he was found on the other side of the lake in a driveway.  And, one of my neighbors just told me that he has been pushing on lanai screens trying to get into pool areas.  I wonder if he is looking for the kitchen!!!

• Tampa Bay News
• ABC Action News

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