Capturing alligators
 

Anyone have info on what procedures and/or agency in TV is responsible for addressing capturing an aggressive alligator?

You might start with Villages Watch.

OK thanks...there was incident yesterday south of Hillsborough Trail where several persons showed up at a pond, shot an alligator with a .45 magnum handgun & hauled it off in a pick-up truck. Naturally, homes near-by surrounding this pond. There were two other men who advised that they were from "The Villages Environmental Services". This situation seems somewhat suspicious and/or not safe at a minimum.

Hotline at http://myfwc.com/

Just keep in mind that if he (or she) is over 48 inches long, it'll be gator nuggets before lunch time tomorrow.

Carefully!:BigApplause:

You might try addressing it as Mr. Gator and speaking softly.

They do not catch and release gators. They catch, kill and sell the meat.

Cool, Where can the meat be bought?

Just curious Why? They usually don't bother anyone. Is it a danger to you or your pets? They're celebrities here.

866-fwc-gator

Capturing Alligators
 

Thanks for the replies with useful contacts. My concern not related to any problems I have with Mr. Gator, etc., but rather, what I view as a disturbing incident that occurred yesterday south of Hillsborough Trail: 5 unknown men appeared at a pond in a residential area which has been inhabited by an alligator. One of the men utilizing a .45 magnum handgun shot the alligator in the head & thereafter removed the alligator, departing in a pick-up truck. No law enforcement personnel present & several neighbors upset over the circumstances & the discharge of a firearm so close to homes. So, my question related to what I would think should be well established procedures for addressing so an issue.

What is it that led to tagging a specific alligator aggressive?

I doubt that these men were authorized to kill and remove this gator. The gator catchers here usually catch the gator, remove it from TV and then kill it where we can't see it happen. I'd guess these guys were poachers. I know it's a bit late, but it might be worth a call to the Sheriff's Department so they have a record of this incident.

(And sorry about the Mr. Gator comment, I just couldn't stop myself.)

That's sad my husband and I just saw that gator a couple days ago ( off Warnock). It makes me mad. We stood there and watch him for awhile. I hope something gets done.

Please call the Sheriff dept to get this on record. According to FL statutes, hunting season ends Nov 1, and bang sticks are the only firearm allowed to be used. I suppose a dangerous animal could be removed any time of year, but a handgun would never be allowed. These people were not only poachers, but endangering your neighbors, and this may not be the first time or the last. This needs to be reported. I don't suppose anyone jotted down the plate number on the truck?

A few years back my neighbor was bothered by an alligator that would walk from the pond to her lanai. she called the authorities and the animal control people shot the alligator and hauled it off.

so it may well be normal operating procedure. Those interested in learning more about the incident's validity at Hillsborough might want to check with community Watch, the sheriff etc

Capturing Alligators
 

Again thanks & everyone seems to be in agreement re my concerns. One of the neighbors contacted the sheriff's office yesterday, deputy responded & later called simply saying "it was authorized". I have also reached out to Community Watch. It certainly would be nice to know what the exact procedures are; don't believe this incident should qualify.

Just one question---you were concerned about the safety of discharging a firearm in proximity to homes, yet you were close enough to identify the pistol as a .45 Magnum??????

One more question---where is this pond, since I live just off Warnock??????

Again, thanks for your input. We are well aware of the info relating to interacting with wild animals & specially alligators, nor are we activists of any kind. I did not personally witness this event, but live near-by. My friend of 20 years did witness the event & I trust his recounting of the events. Both of us are retired law enforcement professionals. Something just not right here, that's why we will find out exactly what the procedures are supposed to be. Thanks again...

Thanks. I think our posts crossed at that same time---which pond?---down by the mailboxes or on Egret or somewhere else?

I believe it was one of the two near Wine Palm Way & Florahome. District Property Management should also be contacted today---it will be good to find out exactly how these situations are supposed to be handled.

Thank you for doing something about this. This is terrible.

TY. I agree, looking at the satellite view the homes are quite close and well within range of a .45, as is part of #5 of Egret

Frozen gator meat is available at the Best Meats on 301 in Wildwood. Don't know the origin.