An alligator emerged from a canal and invaded a backyard in South Miami, claiming the life of a nine-year-old dog last Thursday. The South Miami Police confirmed the incident and issued a public safety warning to the community.
The tragic event took place around 9:30 a.m. in the 6200 block of Southwest 64th Court, a residential area with direct canal access.
The dog, named Kygo, was a 70-pound Dutch Shepherd mix that the family had rescued six or seven years ago.
Enrique Pomares, the dog's owner, recounted how he let his pet out into the backyard as he did every morning. It was then that the alligator surfaced from the water and dragged Kygo into the canal.
"When he went out for his morning walk, he was near the edge, and the alligator came up and grabbed him. It attacked and killed him," Pomares told Telemundo 51.
Pomares attempted to save his pet for several minutes, even launching a kayak into the water to distract the reptile. However, the alligator resurfaced with the lifeless dog in its jaws.
"It showed him off like a trophy. It was horrific. I've never seen anything like it," Pomares described.
The owner estimated the alligator's length to be between 13 and 15 feet, though this was a personal observation and not an official measurement.
Local resident Dexter Lovett had been warning neighbors about the presence of the reptile in the canal for some time.
"I've been telling people to stay away from the canal. The alligator is big and it feeds. I've seen it several times," Lovett stated, believing the creature he filmed while fishing is the same one that attacked Kygo.
Lovett was the one who later found the dog's remains floating in the canal near Southwest 64th Avenue and Miller Drive.
South Miami Police reported no previous similar incidents in the area, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has launched an investigation, according to agency spokesperson Melissa Brevik.
The Police Department urged the community to exercise caution: "Please keep children and pets away from canals, waterways, ponds, and other areas where an alligator may be present. Do not approach, feed, harass, or attempt to capture the animal."
The American alligator is protected under state and federal laws, meaning residents cannot harm, capture, or relocate it. Killing one of these reptiles is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison.
South Florida and the Keys mark the northern limit of the natural habitat for this species, whose population was drastically reduced in the 1970s but now numbers over 2,000 in the state due to conservation efforts.
Anyone spotting an alligator in their area can contact the FWC at the toll-free number 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Unlike alligators, American crocodiles usually avoid humans, though there have been documented attacks on pets, particularly in the Keys.
Incidents involving these two types of reptiles in residential areas of South Florida are not entirely uncommon. In recent months, there have been several alligator sightings in Miami canals, causing concern among residents.
Earlier this month, a nearly ten-foot alligator bit a woman while she was swimming in a river in Marion County, resulting in the loss of her right arm.
Alligator Safety and Community Concerns
What should residents do if they spot an alligator?
Residents should keep a safe distance, avoid feeding or harassing the alligator, and report the sighting to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Are alligators protected by law in Florida?
Yes, American alligators are protected under state and federal laws. It is illegal to harm, capture, or relocate them, and killing an alligator is a third-degree felony in Florida.
How common are alligator attacks in South Florida?
While not frequent, alligator attacks can occur, especially in areas with nearby canals and waterways. In recent months, several sightings have been reported, raising concerns among local residents.