A security camera at a Palm Bay home captured footage of an 8-foot alligator standing near the front door on July 17. Sierra Wynn, the homeowner, said she was jolted awake by her system’s alert at 3 a.m. and saw the reptile through her window. The alligator, which appeared to be staring at the door, was about 10 feet from her house, near Heritage High School. Wynn’s Shih Tzu, Gracie, was inside the home at the time. “It didn’t move; it just growled and hissed,” Wynn said. “It was so deep, it was guttural.”
Wynn called Palm Bay police, who used flashlights to keep the alligator visible while a contracted trapper from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) arrived. The trapper removed the animal, though officials did not immediately confirm if it was relocated. The incident occurred in an area that was once a wetland but now has canals, ponds, and new developments. FWC officials said alligators often hide near waterways, under cars, or in bushes, making such encounters more common in summer months.
Wynn, who moved to Palm Bay in 2005, described the moment as “a scene from a movie.” She said she first moved Gracie to another room to keep her safe before contacting authorities. The alligator was likely a juvenile, though its exact age was not determined. FWC officials have not released details about the animal’s fate but emphasized that residents should report alligator sightings to avoid dangerous encounters.
The area around Wynn’s home, northwest of Palm Bay, has seen rapid growth in recent years. Canals and ponds created during development have become habitats for wildlife, including alligators. FWC recommends that residents keep a safe distance from wild animals and contact authorities if they encounter them near homes or roads. Wynn said she plans to install a higher fence around her property to prevent future incidents.