Large alligator caught at Florida family's front door

DOVER, Fla. - A family living east of Tampa woke up to an unwanted guest early Tuesday.

Deputies were called to the home on Tall Redwood Lane for an animal complaint.  It turned out to be a wayward alligator.

The gator, which trapper John Wilson believed to be near seven feet long, was waiting patiently at the home's front door.

It only took the experienced trapper a few minutes to lasso the reptile.

Homeowner Jose' Roca said at first they thought there was a burglar trying to get in.  "My wife heard some noises. It was a pretty big surprise", said Roca.

He said it sounded like the gator "knocked " at the door.  Roca said they looked through the glass and saw it was a scaly visitor. "It was a very polite gator...we are thankful for the deputies.  We called 911 and they were here," said Roca.

Wilson removed the gator and said the reptile will be euthanized and processed for its hide.