When was this published?

This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

safety

Florida family wakes up to alligator hissing at front door in the middle of the night: "We were terrified"

Summary by The Miami Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Steven Yablonski, CBS4 Miami · July 21, 2026 · 1 min read

A Florida family said they were terrified when they were alerted to a creepy visitor that approached their front door in the middle of the night: a 7-foot alligator.Sierra Wynn said the security camera alerted them to an animal in the front yard of their Palm Bay home, south of Cape Canaveral, in th

Why this matters in The Miami

The presence of a 7-foot alligator at a family's front door in Palm Bay is a stark reminder of the wildlife that can be found in South Florida's residential areas. While this incident occurred outside of Miami, it's a concern that resonates with residents in Miami-Dade County, where the Everglades and surrounding waterways are home to a large alligator population. Miami's own neighborhoods, such as those near the Miami River or in coastal areas like Miami Beach, may also be vulnerable to unexpected wildlife encounters. The fact that the alligator was safely removed by authorities is a testament to the importance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's role in managing wildlife in the state. As Miami's population continues to grow and develop, the potential for human-wildlife conflicts will likely increase, making it crucial for residents to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to prevent such encounters.

About this story

Original reporting by CBS4 Miami. The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 21, 2026 · Source: CBS4 Miami · Reading time: 1 min

Summary created by	The Miami Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Steven Yablonski, CBS4 Miami
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 21, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Florida family wakes up to alligator hissing at front door in the middle of the night: "We were terrified"

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