In a scene straight out of a Florida postcard, wildlife officials responded to a rather unusual call early Sunday morning: a 10-foot crocodile taking an unauthorized dip in a residential swimming pool. Homeowners in Plantation Key were startled by the massive reptile and quickly contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The commission dispatched renowned trapper Todd Hardwick and his team from Pesky Critters Wildlife Control to handle the situation.

Arriving around 2 a.m., the team faced a challenging task. Video footage shows Hardwick and his assistant, Jeff Peterla, carefully roping the crocodile, which put up a considerable fight. The ensuing struggle splashed water across the pool deck, creating a slippery and potentially hazardous environment for the team. Despite the difficulties, Hardwick skillfully maneuvered the rope, eventually pulling the resistant reptile from the water.

With the crocodile out of the pool, the team, assisted by a Monroe County sheriff’s officer, dragged it across the wet pavement. The video captures the moment Hardwick removed the restraints, allowing the crocodile to return to its natural habitat. Reflecting on the incident, Hardwick offered some sage advice to the Miami Herald: "One more example in Florida of why everyone should turn on the pool light before they jump in for a swim at night."

This incident highlights the unique challenges of living in a region where wildlife encounters are not uncommon. Crocodiles, while a threatened species in Florida and endangered elsewhere in the United States, occasionally venture into human-populated areas. This underscores the importance of respecting wildlife and taking precautions to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.