FWC charges Collier airboat captains with feeding alligators, raccoons
News Release
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Media contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459
Two Collier County airboat captains found out that feeding
alligators and other wildlife doesn't pay. It's also illegal.
Working undercover on Friday, Feb. 17, FWC investigators posed
as tourists on airboat tours operated by Everglades Island Boat
Tours in Everglades City. Investigators watched as two airboat
captains on separate airboats fed marshmallows to alligators and
raccoons.
Graham M. Potter (DOB 10/20/53) of Copeland was charged with
feeding raccoons, a misdemeanor. Randal T. Daniels (DOB 10/28/38)
of Chokoloskee was charged with feeding alligators, also a
misdemeanor.
"These men were sending tourists and visitors the wrong message
about feeding and touching our wildlife," said FWC Lt. Ron Sacco.
"When alligators and other wildlife are fed, they can overcome
their natural fear of people, and it's more likely they will become
a nuisance and have to be destroyed. That's why it's against the
law."
To report any wildlife law violation, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert
Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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