Recent Florida construction and population expansion has displaced alligators from the waterways they have inhabited for centuries. This has increased human-alligator contact, with the creatures frequently making their way into yards, pools, and neighborhoods. While Critter Control® of Orlando is equipped to handle nuisance alligators, trapping or removing them requires permission from state agencies. Here is some important information and safety tips to let you know what to do if an alligator wanders onto your property.
What Qualifies as a Nuisance Alligator?
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), an alligator that is at least four feet in length and poses a threat to people, pets, or property can be subject to removal. While smaller alligators generally pose no threat, they can occasionally qualify as a legitimate nuisance.
Who You Gonna Call?
The FWC has designed an alligator management program called SNAP to address concerns and complaints related to nuisance alligators. Administered by the FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game Management, the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program provides a toll-free nuisance alligator hotline and contracts nuisance alligator trappers county-by-county.
How to Prevent a Human-Alligator Conflict
- Obey warning signs – alligators are likely to inhabit any given body of water in Florida. While alligators will go where they please, warning signs posted around marshes, creeks, ponds, rivers, and lakes should alert to the presence of alligators let people know to keep their distance.
- Don’t feed them – humans should never feed alligators. This makes them comfortable with people and more likely to equate humans with food.
If you have complaints about a nuisance alligator, call SNAP at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). For all your other pest concerns, contact the professional wildlife removal specialists at Critter Control® of Orlando. We’ll use expert techniques to solve your nuisance pest problems permanently. Call us today at 407.295.7194 to learn more or schedule a free inspection!
