Alligator found on Vero Beach porch

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Mary Halverson woke up to an unusual and unwelcomed guest on her patio Monday morning, a large alligator.

Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputies Joe Karman and John McNeal responded to the 8:50 am call at the Timber Ridge subdivision, 671 S. Centre Court S.W. in Vero Beach.

The deputies described the 6 to 8 foot alligator as being aggressive, a normal reaction for the animal when feeling threatened.  A catch pole and duct tape kept the reptile and its mouth secure until a trapper from the Florida Wildlife Commission came for retrieval.

It is believed that the alligator was able to enter the property under a fence.