(Updated June 25, 2008)
How does the FWC manage the
alligator population in Florida?
The FWC has a very proactive management strategy
for alligator populations that includes harvest quotas to maintain
alligator populations within 25 percent of levels present in
1988.
What are the
guidelines for alligator hunting?
Alligator hunting permits are issued each year by
the FWC on a first-come, first-served basis. In 2008, 5,125 permits
were issued for the hunting season, Aug. 15 to Nov. 1. Each permit
costs $271.50 for Florida residents and $1,021.50 for nonresidents.
Each permit holder receives two tags, allowing the hunter to take
two alligators. The FWC began experimental alligator hunts in the
1980s, and over the past eight years, approximately 70 percent of
the harvest tags issued have been filled.
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Is it true that anti-hunting
activists purchase two-thirds of the alligator hunting permits each
year?
No, this is not true. For example in 2007, 82
percent of alligator tags were issued to hunters who filled at
least one of their two allotted tags. Even if they had been able to
purchase two-thirds of the permits, it would require a financial
commitment of approximately $1 million, as well as the filing of
false alligator harvest report forms. Over the 20-year history of
its Alligator Management Program, the FWC has seen no indication
this has occurred.
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What are some things
people can do to prevent negative encounters with alligators?
First, wildlife should never be fed by humans
because it lowers their inhibitions to human contact and keeps them
from following their natural habits of seeking food for themselves.
It is also illegal to feed alligators.
Second, it is never safe to enter water where large
alligators are present. The FWC recommends swimming only in posted
areas and not in waters inhabited by alligators. Alligators are
most active between dusk and dawn, so it's best to swim during
daylight hours.
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Are alligators posing a new
threat to humans?
The first documented severe alligator bite on a
human occurred in 1948. It is important to remember that alligators
are large, top-level predators capable of inflicting severe bites
on humans, even causing death. That's why it is so important for
people to use common sense when dealing with this species.
Human encounters with alligators are increasing
because Florida's human population is growing, and many residents
seek waterfront homes, and water-related recreational activities
are very popular. As more people are drawn to the water, more
alligator-human interactions can occur, creating a greater
potential for conflict. However, alligators seldom bite people, and
fatalities from such occurrences are extremely rare.
Florida is averaging about seven unprovoked bites
per year serious enough to require special medical treatment. The
frequency of these serious bites is increasing at a rate of about 3
percent each year or one additional bite every 4-5 years. However,
the likelihood of a Florida resident being seriously injured during
an unprovoked alligator incident in Florida is roughly only one in
2.4 million.
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What is a nuisance
alligator?
An alligator is considered a nuisance when it is at
least 4 feet in length and poses a threat to people or their pets
or property.
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What is the FWC's nuisance
alligator program?
This program is unrelated to alligator hunting. The
Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program contracts with nuisance
alligator trappers. Approximately 40 private trappers are
contracted to remove specific nuisance alligators. Individuals may
call the toll-free number, 1-866- FWC-GATOR (392-4286) to submit
complaints regarding nuisance alligators. The FWC will evaluate the
complaint and determine if the alligator should be removed by a
licensed nuisance alligator trapper.
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How many alligator
complaints does the FWC receive each year?
In 2007, the FWC received 13,000 nuisance alligator
complaints. Nuisance alligator trappers were issued 11,000 permits,
and 10,000 nuisance alligators were removed.
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Where can I find more
information?
Further information is online at MyFWC.com/gators.
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