A five-foot alligator climbed up to the second floor of a condo building in North Naples. Painters working on the condos found the alligator in the lanai area.
Local wildlife trapper Ray Simonsen Senior, commonly referred to as “Ray the Trapper” says he’s seen about a dozen alligators climb up flights of stairs during his time as a trapper.
“This is another point that they can get wherever they want to go,” Simonsen said.
Simonsen emphasizes to close all doors, including any on the second floor.
“Don’t leave it open for half a day or all day because you’re inviting wildlife to come in,” Simonsen said.
In his seven years as a trapper, Simonsen says he’s seen alligators in unusual places.
“Pools, garages, lanais, stairwells, vehicles, I even captured on in an elevator.”
If you come across an alligator, call Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).