4 baby alligators rescued after poachers allegedly snatched them from nest: FWC

Kaycee Sloan
·2 min read
4 baby alligators rescued after poachers allegedly snatched them from nest: FWC

Video above: Close encounter between massive alligator and bicyclist in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Four baby alligators were rescued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers after poachers allegedly snatched them from their nest.

A call from a concerned citizen kicked off the FWC’s rescue mission, as an officer swiftly responded to the young gators.

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It’s unclear when and where in Florida the alleged poaching incident occurred. WFLA has reached out to FWC for more information.

“The young alligators are now back where they belong, safe and sound,” the FWC said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, along with a photo of the gators.

Image courtesy of the Florida Dish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Image courtesy of the Florida Dish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

According to the FWC, the poachers, who were not identified, are facing 14 misdemeanor charges for taking the baby gators, including the poaching of an adult female alligator.

Alligators are a protected species in the Sunshine State, making them illegal to kill outside of gator hunting season, unless the reptile is deemed a threat by the FWC, who will call in a state-certified trapper.

Alligator hunting season runs from Aug. 15 until Nov. 8. Applications for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program may only be submitted once and are free of charge, but a credit card must be submitted. The FWC will award 7,356 permits via random drawings.

Applications open for new Alligator Super Hunt, harvest permits

Gator sightings will be ramping up within the coming months as mating season is underway in the Sunshine State. Mating season kicks off in April and lasts until June, meaning there will be a greater chance of encountering the massive reptiles this month.

During mating season, males tend to become more aggressive. While alligator attacks are rare, residents should be vigilant near ponds and waterways, especially while walking their pets.

Anyone who sees an alligator that appears to be a threat to people, pets, or property should call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.