A family in Florida woke to the sound of scratching outside their home and discovered a 7ft alligator had made its way to their front door, leaving them terrified. The incident, captured on video, is a striking reminder of how frequently alligators encroach on residential areas in the state, particularly during warmer months when the reptiles are more active and mobile.

Alligators are common throughout Florida's waterways and wetlands, and it is not unusual for them to wander into suburban neighbourhoods, especially near canals, ponds or retention areas. While the exact location and outcome of this encounter were not detailed, such sightings typically prompt calls to local wildlife authorities or licensed trappers, who are responsible for safely relocating or removing the animals when they pose a risk to residents.