Angry 10-Foot Crocodile Removed From Florida Keys Pool: Watch

FLORIDA KEYS — An angry 10-foot crocodile surprised a Florida Keys resident when it was found swimming in their pool late Saturday night, authorities said.

Deputies responded to a home on Lake Road on Plantation Key around 11:30 p.m. to assist a trapper contracted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the removal of the giant crocodile from the property. (Watch a video of the gator's removal and release below.)

Todd Hardwick, an expert wildlife trapper with Pesky Critters Wildlife Control, "quickly secured the crocodile, even after its massive splashes created a slick and dangerous footing situation on the pool deck," the company wrote in a Facebook post.

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He and assistant trapper Jeff Peterla heaved the reptile onto the deck. A deputy stepped in to help move the crocodile to a safe location for release.

Video footage shows Hardwick removing the animal's restraints once they've relocated it and "gently but safely encouraging it back into its habitat," Pesky Critters said.

The company added, "Crocodiles are a threatened species in Florida, and endangered everywhere else in the United States."

Pesky Critters offers the following tips for safely coexisting with crocodiles:

• Keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. Be aware that crocodiles often will bask with an open mouth to regulate their body temperature, and there’s no cause for concern if you see this behavior.
• Swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water, even designated swimming areas, because they can resemble the crocodile’s natural prey.
• Pet owners who live on the water where American crocodiles may be should consider erecting fencing on their property that effectively places a barrier between their pets and crocodiles.
• Never feed crocodiles — it is illegal and dangerous. When fed, they can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.
• Dispose of fish scraps in designated waste containers because discarding scraps in the water may attract them. Also, avoid feeding other aquatic animals such as ducks because that also can attract crocodiles.

The company also provided the following details for identifying a crocodile:

• Grayish green on its back
• If present, dark stripes on tail and body
• Fourth tooth on lower jaw exposed when mouth is closed
• Narrow tapered snout (“V” shape)

Those concerned about a crocodile should call 866-392-4286 (866-FWC-GATOR). FWC staff will offer educational information about safely living with crocodiles. If warranted, a site visit may be done to evaluate the location and behavior.

Watch a video of the gator’s removal from a Florida Keys pool and its release into a safe location: