The incident in Deltona, Florida, has stirred up debate and raised awareness about the dangers of living in a state with a large population of alligators. On March 5, a homeowner heard a disturbance coming from his backyard and observed an alligator biting his dog, Winston, a lab. The homeowner shot the alligator with his firearm and successfully killed the 7-foot, 8-inch reptile. Fortunately, the dog only suffered a puncture to his ear and survived the attack.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigated the incident and determined that the homeowner would not be charged for shooting the alligator. This is due to the state’s designated hunting season, which runs from August 15 to November 1, and requires hunters to have permits.
The state also has a “nuisance alligator program” that contracts with professional trappers to catch and remove alligators that pose a threat. This is usually done when alligators are found in residential areas or when they become aggressive towards humans or pets.
In addition to having alligators removed, the FWC also recommends pet owners keep animals on a leash and away from the water’s edge, particularly between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active. This is because pets can resemble alligators’ natural prey.
This incident serves as a reminder to be aware of the potential risks of living in a state with a large alligator population. If Floridians are faced with a threatening alligator, they can call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and a trapper will be sent.
