PARKLAND, Fla. – (WPLG) An alligator was found Monday night on the front porch of a woman's home in Parkland.
Coral Springs Talk reports that a neighbor's mother was walking by Elena Avello's home about 6 p.m. when she spotted a large gator on the front porch.
News 6 partner WPLG-TV reports the neighbor called Avello to warn her not to go outside.
Avello said she first called the Broward Sheriff's Office and was instructed to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Avello said FWC officers arrived at her home within 30 minutes and bound the gator's mouth before hauling it away.
It's unclear where the gator was taken to.
Avello believes the gator was between 5 feet and 6 feet long.
FWC officials said it's possible that the gator came from a nearby construction site, but local experts said gators are often found wandering during this time of year, looking for love.
"Gators are looking for love, like everyone else," Cpt. Jim Leljedal, of Sawgrass Recreation Park, said. "The males start to look for territories and the females wander around and think about mating, and making their nest."
While it's unclear whether the gator was a male or female, experts said those who live near gator habitats should be cautious and call professionals if they spot one.