[buggyone]

Originally Posted by Ohio RailGirl

This gator was found curled around bushes in front yard of house, trapper hit it with a bang stick first, then mouth taped, measured etc. afterwards. Since this gator was over 4 ft long trapper said it could not be relocated.

I do not know how this alligator was killed but I did check ways that "trappers" kill gators.

"Check your local regs. Here in FL you cannot use a baited hook.
Sneak up at night with a light shining in it's eyes, then snag it with a treble hook and heavy fishing rod, spear one with a spear gun or cross bow, or the good old harpoon.
I use a .357 powerhead, no guns allowed in FL."

No reason that a 4 foot alligator could not have been subdued with no injury and taken to a state park such as Silver Springs for release.

[rosygail]

I saw my first gator two days ago in the swampy area in the new construction at the end of Pineallas. He was a baby about 2 feet long. He was sunning himself on the road!

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Ohio RailGirl

This gator was found curled around bushes in front yard of house, trapper hit it with a bang stick first, then mouth taped, measured etc. afterwards. Since this gator was over 4 ft long trapper said it could not be relocated.

I take it that the other poster regarded the use of a bang stick as the "horrible method" by which the gator was killed.

Regarding relocation, I believe you have it backward. Gators under four feet are not generally considered eligible for relocation. See the question and answer section of Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program

Large gators can be and are relocated legally in Florida. Check out the reality show Gator Boys on The Animal Planet channel. Here is a film clip where they relocate a six footer. Gator Boys: Animal Planet

[Gerald]

yes there are gators in almost every pond and lake here. I have seen them all over the golf courses in ponds. In Lake Sumter, and even going for walks on the golf courses in back of houses. As for hitting the post, never heard that before. I would be surprised if it actually works. There are also lots of other wild life around, birds turtles snakes and many other things that live in Florida. Never the less, I nor do I know of anyone else that has any problems with any of the animals. Leave them alone and they leave us alone.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I do not know how this alligator was killed but I did check ways that "trappers" kill gators.

"Check your local regs. Here in FL you cannot use a baited hook.
Sneak up at night with a light shining in it's eyes, then snag it with a treble hook and heavy fishing rod, spear one with a spear gun or cross bow, or the good old harpoon.
I use a .357 powerhead, no guns allowed in FL."

No reason that a 4 foot alligator could not have been subdued with no injury and taken to a state park such as Silver Springs for release.

1. A "powerhead" or "bang stick" essentially is a method of firing a single firearms cartridge by striking the stick against the target. It has the same effect as a gun but it requires the user to be quite close. The target on the alligator is the same spot as would be the case with a firearm. See Power Head Bang Stick

2. The gator in the photo was clearly longer than four feet. Generally, an alligator may be deemed a nuisance if it is at least four feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property. See Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program Alligators under four feet long are more or less exempt from relocation. (Seems strange doesn't it?)

3. If the gator were to be relocated rather than killed who would have paid for it? Trappers are paid by the sale of the gator hide and meat. It is unlikely that you will find a trapper who would donate his time and truck fuel to simply relocate nuisance gators for free.

[TOMCAT]

I know I am an old softy when it comes to animals or reptiles. I don't think a trapper might not relocate an alligator, but maybe the Dept. of Environmental Conservation can help in that matter. That is where the government might be handy. Just a thought.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

I know I am an old softy when it comes to animals or reptiles. I don't think a trapper might not relocate an alligator, but maybe the Dept. of Environmental Conservation can help in that matter. That is where the government might be handy. Just a thought.

The Dept. of Environmental Protection concerns itself with air and water pollution, not animals. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission oversees alligators, and issues the permits for trappers and hunters to harvest them.

However, I understand your point.

But the fact is that it is dangerous to allow alligators to coexist in close proximity to humans. At the least someone will lose a pet; at the worst someone will lose a child.

Using tax money to relocate nuisance alligators, rather than letting trappers harvest them in payment for their services would be very expensive. In 2011, the statewide nuisance alligator program received 14,275 nuisance alligator complaints resulting in the removal of 6,995 nuisance alligators. That's a lot of employment hours and fuel costs that taxpayers didn't have to pay for.

We have an overabundance of alligators in Florida.

[quirky3]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

We have an overabundance of alligators in Florida.

Or, we have an overabundance of people in some parts of Florida!

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by quirky3

Or, we have an overabundance of people in some parts of Florida!

Arguably, the alligators were here first.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

The Dept. of Environmental Protection concerns itself with air and water pollution, not animals. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission oversees alligators, and issues the permits for trappers and hunters to harvest them.

However, I understand your point.

But the fact is that it is dangerous to allow alligators to coexist in close proximity to humans. At the least someone will lose a pet; at the worst someone will lose a child.

Using tax money to relocate nuisance alligators, rather than letting trappers harvest them in payment for their services would be very expensive. In 2011, the statewide nuisance alligator program received 14,275 nuisance alligator complaints resulting in the removal of 6,995 nuisance alligators. That's a lot of employment hours and fuel costs that taxpayers didn't have to pay for.

We have an overabundance of alligators in Florida.

I live in Long Island and our taxes are very high and I can see why. There is no problem with alligators, but there are other issues in Long Island that has to be dealt with.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

I live in Long Island and our taxes are very high and I can see why. There is no problem with alligators, but there are other issues in Long Island that has to be dealt with.

When there is trouble with a raccoon or any other kind of animal, the government will usually tell you to call a trapper, unless the animal looks rabid.