Related Post: June 16, 2016, Local Gator? Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program - SNAP. FWC Alligator Management Program
This posting was in response to questions I have been receiving involving our local alligator population. We have numerous alligators and even crocodiles traversing our local canals here in Palmetto Bay. There are some hard and fast rules regarding these reptiles which were posted
But before you read below, I post an important note to those who may mistakenly believe they are making everyone happy by having a gator "relocated". Read the blog post. The story of relocation is as much of a myth as sending your aged pet to live out its life on “a farm”: see - Sorry, but Florida alligators are almost never 'relocated', by Colin Wolf April 20, 2017. This post involves a true story:
A Florida woman was surprised and saddened to discover that an alligator she asked to be relocated, but not before putting bunny ears on it for a photo, is now most certainly dead.
Last weekend, a Royal Palm Beach resident called a local trapper after a 5-foot-long gator was getting too close to her property during an Easter egg hunt, reports the Palm Beach Post.
Before the trapper could "relocate" the gator, the woman put a pair of bunny ears on the the doomed reptile and snapped a cute photo. Happy Easter! The only problem is, the woman wasn't aware that here in Florida the word "relocate" actually means "super dead," at least when it comes to gators.
"Meanwhile, back at the ranch..." (pun intended) The FWC sent out a reminder on 3/26/2019 regarding the American Alligators: Warm spring weather means it’s time to brush up on tips for living with alligators
CLICK HERE to view the complete FWC communication online.
The American alligator, Florida’s state reptile, is an important part of Florida’s wetland habitats. This large reptile is found throughout the state in fresh water lakes, ponds, swamps and slow-moving rivers.
During spring, alligators become more active and visible. When temperatures rise, their metabolism increases and they begin seeking prey. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water.
Because alligators control their body temperature by basking in the sun, they can be easily observed. If you see an alligator, keep your distance. Also, never feed alligators because it is dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.
Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. To reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators, swim only during daylight hours and in designated swimming areas.
The FWC also recommends pet owners keep their animals on a leash and away from the water because pets can resemble an alligator’s natural prey.
The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and urges people who believe an alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property to call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, the FWC will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation. The FWC also works diligently to keep Floridians and visitors informed, including providing advice about living with alligators.
The American alligator is a conservation success story. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. Learn more about alligators at MyFWC.com/Alligator.
__________________
Stay safe. Enjoy our local wildlife - from a safe distance - for the safety of all involved, you, your family, pets/domestic animals and the Alligators.
No comments:
Post a Comment