NORTH PORT — Alligators have lived in Florida for millions of years, but one phone call can spell a gator's demise.
The Environmental Conservancy of North Port and Surrounding Areas President Barbara Lockhart said many people do not understand what actually happens after a nuisance call is made.
She said the alligator is typically killed. Not relocated.
That, Lockhart said, is because one alligator cannot simply be put into another's habitat, disturbing a functioning ecosystem.
Lockhart does not understand why people call the reptiles "nuisances" for simply existing.
What Lockhart said about gators being killed after a complaint is true, officials stated.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Public Information Coordinator Lauren Claerbout, confirmed it in an email to The Daily Sun.
FWC experts weigh in
"When a contracted nuisance alligator trapper removes an alligator, it becomes the property of the trapper," she stated in the email. "In most cases, the alligator is processed for its hide and meat, which is the primary source of compensation for their services. Occasionally, a nuisance alligator is sold alive to an alligator farm, animal exhibit or zoo."
Nuisance alligator trappers work under contract with the FWC and are not state employees.
And alligators more than 4 feet long are not relocated as it is not "responsible" for people or alligators.
When gators are relocated, they nearly "always" try to return to their capture site.
In returning, they can cause problems for people and animals. Then, officials would have to capture them again, and it would be more difficult, according to Claerbout.
Gators under 4 feet long can often simply be relocated. But every call and instance is "critically reviewed."
Relocation of the smaller reptiles often comes, apparently, when they are found somewhere they are not supposed to be — like a swimming pool or garage.
When to call
Usually, an alligator can be considered a nuisance if it's at least 4 feet long and believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property, Claerbout said.
When those guidelines are met, if one is concerned about an alligator, they can call FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline, 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286.)
"Over the last 10 years, Florida has averaged 8 unprovoked bites per year that are serious enough to require professional medical treatment. The frequency of these serious bites is variable, but there has not been a significant trend in the past 10 years," Claerbout stated in the email.
The region has had its own situations with alligators, including an attack in 2022 in Boca Royale in Englewood when an elderly woman fell into a pond and was killed by two gators; and a 2023 attack when a man lost his arm outside a Charlotte County bar.
The 2022 killing has led to a $7 million lawsuit.
Living with alligators
To avoid run-ins with gators, Claerbout suggested tips, in an email to The Daily Sun, to live alongside them.
Keep a safe distance.Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. "Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey," she said,Only swim in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. She said gators are most active between dusk and dawn."Never feed an alligator. It’s illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild," Claerbout said.
The reality is, people should remain wary of the reptiles at all times, but especially when the weather is warm, according to Claerbout.
"Alligators are most active and visible when the weather is warm, and in some places in Florida, that can occur year-round," she said.
For more information about human and alligator interactions, visit:
myfwc.com
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