THE LEDGER (Lakeland, Florida) 04 August 04 Sanibel approves tougher alligator policy after attack
Sanibel, Fla (AP): City officials approved new rules allowing trappers to kill large alligators, even if they have not acted aggressively, in the wake of an alligator attack that killed a landscaper.
The city council unanimously approved the nuisance alligator policy Tuesday, allowing the city to hire a trapper to kill an alligator that is more than 4 feet long if it makes people feel unsafe.
Previously, an alligator smaller than 8 feet had to behave aggressively or show signs of having been fed before it could be destroyed. The new policy took effect immediately.
Janie Melsek, 54, died from a severe infection July 23, two days after she was mauled by a 12-foot, 457-pound alligator. The alligator dragged her into a pond, tearing at her right arm so severely that part of it was later amputated, and rescuers saved her from the reptile's jaws in what was described as a fierce "tug-of-war."
She was the 14th person known to have been fatally attacked by a Florida alligator since record keeping began.
Sanibel approves tougher alligator policy after attack