Cuban communicator and activist Eliécer Ávila recently shared a video of an alligator he claims resides beneath the dock of his home in Marathon, located in the Florida Keys. According to his estimate, the reptile stretches between five and six and a half feet in length.
"Check out the alligator living under my dock. Not sure if you can see it clearly there. It's been hanging out right under here," Ávila remarked in a Facebook video, pointing the camera towards the creature from his dock.
Ávila emphasized the size of the unexpected guest, estimating, "I'd guess it's about five feet, maybe six. It's right beneath the dock."
Displaying a calm demeanor, Ávila continued to showcase his uninvited neighbor: "Here we've got the gator, tail and all, stretching a couple of meters," he noted.
He even joked about the possibility of turning the animal into a meal. "I think it's ready to be cooked. I'll look it up on ChatGPT, because with some seasoning, we could have a feast," he quipped.
The video concludes with another shot of the alligator and a nod to their location: "Look, here we are, folks, at our little home, and see who we've got here. Here's your alligator, Marathon Key," he expressed.
The presence of such creatures isn't unusual in this part of Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) notes that the American crocodile typically inhabits coastal areas of the southern state and the Keys, favoring brackish or saltwater environments, as well as mangrove ponds, coves, and creeks.
The FWC describes the American crocodile as a timid and reclusive species, with the Florida population classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agency also provides a hotline for residents concerned about an alligator's presence in their area.
Florida law prohibits killing, injuring, possessing, or intentionally capturing an alligator without authorization, with violations considered a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Ávila has been living in Florida since 2017 with his wife, Rachel Vázquez. Both acquired U.S. citizenship in January 2023.
The activist gained recognition in Cuba in 2008, when as a student at the University of Information Sciences (UCI), he posed several questions to Ricardo Alarcón, then president of the National Assembly.
He also founded the political movement Somos+ in 2013, which he later stepped down from leading, though he remained engaged in political activism.
Ávila's interactions with animals made headlines again in December 2025 when he rescued three abandoned dogs from a road, bringing them home to prevent them from being run over, while seeking advice from his followers on what to do with them.
Encounters between Cuban residents and large reptiles have resulted in several recent incidents in Florida. In June, a Cuban recorded an alligator in a canal just as he was about to enter the water.
Another incident occurred in July when a Cuban warned two young people about to jump into the water after spotting an alligator swimming nearby.
Understanding Alligator Presence in Florida
Why are alligators common in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys provide a suitable habitat for alligators because of their coastal areas and abundance of brackish and saltwater environments, which are ideal for these reptiles.
What should residents do if they encounter an alligator?
Residents are advised to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) if they are concerned about an alligator in their area. The FWC provides a hotline for such situations.
What are the legal consequences of harming an alligator in Florida?
Harming or capturing an alligator without proper authorization is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.