The couple described their initial shock when they encountered the reptile in their hallway, with Mr. Schultz narrowly avoiding a close encounter with the alligator's head.
After calling 911, three deputies from the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene. The Fish and Wildlife Department was also contacted, and an expert arrived around 2:15 a.m.
The expert speculated that the alligator might have been attracted by the cool air escaping from around the dog door during the hot weather.