When I lived in Naples, FL, we saw alligators all the time. U of FL mascot is an alligator—The Florida Gators...the Gator Bowl etc etc.
Had to call the cops one morning when we saw one swimming in our pool. They have special equipment to take them out and drop them back in the swamp. You really don’t want to let your cat out at night or you may never see it again.
Or dog. A Floridian friend told me alligators looove dog meat. They'll actually come out of the water and chase down a dog and catch it!. They're that fast. Don't know if it's true. Never been there. Sounds pretty bad, with all the gators, pythons and libs.