When I lived in South Florida, not far from the Glades, gators would turn up frequently near the pool. One day, I saw one in the pool. So I called the police, and they brought someone over to remove it and release it back into the swamp. Usually the worst thing a gator will do is eat your cat. Not a good idea to leave cats out at night.
Golfers had to keep an eye out for gators too.
Every now and then there is an article about a huge gator walking across a golf course. I imagine the golfers are downright respectful.