Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I live in North Florida and my small pond has acquired a very handsome/beautiful florida gator. Sadly she/he cannot stay. She is fairly docile, does not run away, you can get quite close. She has started coming closer to the barn/horses/people. I do not want to get a trapper, can anyone offer advice re a sanctuary? or a new home?

Thanx

Deanna

Sounds like a very sticky situation to me. As long as it is smaller then it should be ok. I would recommend calling the DNR department and have it removed. Since it is smaller then most likely they shouldn't kill it or anything. If it was a large gator, then I would say get it in a truck and run like H*** to a sanctuary of some sort.

Deanna,

If you have real reason to believe that this alligator is coming too close to you - that is, he actually is approaching your person for food - then it is up to you to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to report it as a "nuisance" gator. There is nothing else you can do in this regard.

If, however, this alligator is simply basking on a bank nearby, not bothering anyone, there is no need to panic or be overly-concerned. of course, do not interfere with his day-to-day living, such as by feeding him, etc.

Please check out the Commision's "Living with Alligators" page, located at the link below.
Link

-----
Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

I would not dream of feeding him/her. My concern is that she has grown a bunch since last year..(we have horses, miniature goats, a puppy...) and I do not want her to become a nuisance. However, she is so magnificent, I had hoped there was a lake or refuge where she could go or a specific group that could assist her/him. Thank you for website and I will give a call.