A Hull couple had a startling encounter on Thursday, April 25, when they discovered a 6-foot alligator at the backdoor of their home. Kitty Key recounted that strange noises had been heard around their home in the preceding days, leading to the unexpected sighting.
When Kitty approached the back door, she was met with the sight of a three-legged alligator seemingly engaging in a confrontation with its own reflection through the door glass. Kitty recalls holding the door shut to prevent the alligator from gaining entry, while her husband Ronnie and others successfully removed the reptile from the property.
Though the couple previously spotted alligators in a nearby pond approximately 300 yards away, this was the first instance of one venturing all the way to their house. Kitty said those alligators were also relocated with the assistance of game wardens.
Reflecting on the unusual series of events, Kitty mentioned, “When we heard noises a few days ago, I thought it was something hitting the roof, like a fallen tree branch, so I walked around the perimeter of the house looking up, never realizing that the alligator might have been lurking nearby.”
The appearance of alligators in residential areas at this time of year is not uncommon. Residents are advised to exercise caution and be vigilant as these creatures may wander beyond their natural habitats, particularly during breeding season.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the period of March 1 through May 30 is the peak time for alligator breeding and nesting. Females tend to stay close to their habitat while males may travel several miles in search of a willing female.
Occasionally, these amorous reptiles venture across highways and into properties where they are unwanted. Drought also drives alligators to relocate.
If you have a nuisance alligator and need help relocating it, call Texas Game Warden Jason Avalos, who serves Liberty County, at 254-784-5556.