(c) An alligator trapping license is not required for a person taking nuisance alligators pursuant to a contract with the commission. Hooks are rigged by embedding a large fish hook (12/0 forged) in bait (nutria, fish, beef lungs, and chicken are popular), and suspended from a tree limb or pole about 2 feet (0.6 m) above the surface of the water. Floridians can’t just call up the local alligator trapper to remove it like a raccoon. Then call Todd Hardwick. Alligators are a hot topic in states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. A person assisting contracted nuisance alligator trappers, unless otherwise exempt under paragraph (d) or paragraph (e), must possess an alligator trapping license or an alligator trapping agent license as provided in subsection (2). Trapping agents must be in the presence of the permitted applicant when hunting. Persons helping Alligator trappers in any of these programs can become licensed as their agents ($51.50 fee) online, using the toll-free phone number, 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (1-888-486-8356), or by going to a tax collector's office or license agent (retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing licenses). "Selling the hides is the problem." The wire is tripped and the snare, often with a locking wire loop, will hold him to … The hunting and trapping of alligators is only legal through proper permits and strictly enforced quotas. A permit is required to import or export live alligatorsor alligat or parts. To possess lawfully acquired American alligators for educational purposes, exhibition, or sale to permitted facilities, you must have a Class II License to Possess Wildlife for Exhibition or Public Sale issued by the FWC Captive Wildlife Program. [Re: Gary Benson] #7067461 … TAMPA — Florida's alligator trappers don't shrink from wrestling with big reptiles, but they say they are tired of wrestling with the state's bureaucracy. "Trappers also may receive a small expense reimbursement from the FWC for each alligator taken.". This includes not just the outskirts, but right in the center of the city! However, unlike other nuisance wild animals or pets, alligators are protected under state laws. Their job: respond when any of the state's estimated 1.3 million gators pose a threat. Live American alligators cannot be taken from the wild without a valid Alligator Trapping License. An alligator trapping agent license also is available for $52 and allows a person to assist a permitted trapper with taking alligators. We were told that a nuisance alligator trapper contracted by the FWC will contact us to resolve the situation. And that's where the "nuisance alligator trapper" comes in. Each selected applicant may purchase $50 alligator trapping-agent licenses for individuals to assist them in taking alligators. Alligators can also travel across land, of course. It has an armored lizard-like body, powerful jaws and a muscular tail. nonresidents. Walt Disney Co has had more than 240 "nuisance" alligators captured and killed over the last 10 years at its Florida theme park property, according to state records. Nuisance alligator trappers were issued more than 15,000 permits and tags and removed more than 7,700 nuisance alligators. The bait should be set closer to the water to catch smaller alligators. Welcome! We are a nonprofit organization, serving the needs of the Florida Trappers. To learn more, please visit our Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program webpage. NOTICE: We are currently out of stock of 20 gauge ammunition. Florida still boasts a robust gator tourism economy at places like Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours, about 6 miles outside of Everglades City. To possess lawfully acquired American alligators for personal use, you must have a Class II Personal Pet License. Each of these programs provides unique opportunities for participation. In All alligator trapping agents must purchase an alligator trapping agent license (ATA) annually at a cost of $50. (e) An alligator trapping license or alligator trapping agent license is not required for a person taking alligators under a military or disabled veterans event permit issued by the commission pursuant to … Experience the exciting, adrenaline pumping, and challenging Florida alligator hunt at Fox Brown Outfitters. Then call Todd Hardwick. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building The Florida alligator is a reptile that has the appearance of a crocodile. By law any nuisance alligator that I trap which is under 4' must be relocated to the wild. Residents in parts of these states are used to living amongst alligators … The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has three programs that provide for harvesting alligators from the wild. A Florida man out walking his dog was attacked by an alligator and nearly dragged into a canal behind his home. "Nuisance alligator trappers are primarily compensated by their marketing and sale of alligator products (hides and meat) from nuisance alligators taken," the FWC said. The state budgeted $480,500 for the nuisance alligator program this year to handle the roughly 13,000 calls to the alligator hotline each year. The most common complaints that I get are: Alligator in the local pond! In Florida, however, alligators can only be killed if deemed a nuisance by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or by applying to the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program, where there are specific timeframes and areas where permit holders can hunt. In order to apply, the Florida FWC asks that the applicant: Florida also asks the successful applicant to project a positive image to the public and media, which should be a piece of cake for any recreational alligator hunter, no? Alligators are remarkably camouflaged while in the tall grass along a shore, and many pets Fox Brown Outfitters offers year-round alligator hunts on private land in the marshes of South Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said a trapper went to the area and removed an alligator that was about 8-foot long, and weighed close to 250 pounds. Licenses are also required for alligator processing and farming. Once the alligator takes the scent and jumps out of the water to eat the bait, the hook will catch in its mouth and prevent it from escaping. In other words, alligators are just part of life in the Sunshine state, but some mitigation is required, in addition to respect for the animals' natural habitat. possessing a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,022 for. It's no secret that Florida is home to some of the largest populations of American alligators in the United States, often living in close proximity to humans. As of 2014, a trapping license cost $26.50. In 1944 Florida introduced legislation to protect alligators during the breeding season and prohibiting the killing of alligators less than 4 feet (1.2 m) in length. Have a record of adherence to fish and wildlife regulations and have no criminal history. The alligator goes after the bait, chicken is a popular one, and the guide boards force him to put his head in the correct spot. Nuisance alligators may only be handled by contracted Nuisance Alligator Trappers. I don't handle At the time of this writing the alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags cost $272 for Florida residents, or cost $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License. A ginormous alligator was caught on camera roaming on a Florida golf course.Spotted at Valencia Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida during tropical storm Eta, the gator … SNAP operates an alligator hotline, 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), a number which concerned individuals can call to report a nuisance alligator in their area. Trappers much be able to supply any equipment necessary to take alligators … The Florida Trappers Association, Inc. is dedicated to protecting our heritage, preserving our lands and promoting our passions. We tested it out by catching 77 Alligators. Alligator in my swimming pool! Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Statewide Alligator Hunt Permit information page, Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program webpage, Class II License to Possess Wildlife for Exhibition or Public Sale, See a full list of our Social Media accounts, Private Lands Alligator Management Program, and. Application dates for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program. Our experienced guide will bring you up close and personal to the monsters lurking beneath the waters. Virtually any body of water can hold alligators. Hardwick, 40, is one of Florida’s three dozen licensed alligator trappers. To download an application, go to the Private Lands Alligator Program webpage. Florida’s Alligator Management Program has five separate divisions, one of which is the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. Alligators are not a uncommon sight in the state of Florida, but this particular one gained attention for its prehistoric appearance. Valencia Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida posted a video showing a giant alligator walking on the grounds amid Tropical Storm Eta. The license must be valid throughout the entire Florida alligator harvest season. Florida has more than 1 million alligators and several laws to protect the beasts. Fish & Wildlife Service at 305-526-2610 regarding country to country export laws, or visit their website. But populations continued to … Alligators are very large, dangerous aquatic reptiles that can cause damage and danger if they are in close proximity with humans. "Catching gators isn't a problem," said Hansen, who has been in the business since 1992. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has three programs that provide for harvesting alligators from the wild. Hardwick, 40, is one of Florida’s three dozen licensed alligator trappers. She is one of just a few dozen nuisance trappers licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The most recent victim was 16-year-old Jarvis Deliford, whose severely d… Additional permits and tags are required to harvest alligators. Before he was removing alligators and keeping the public safe in Florida, he served as a platoon sergeant in the Marines—some of his service included the War in Iraq in 2003. The gross value of nuisance alligator hides and meat produced in 2001 was approximately $2.3 million. The most popular trap for catching alligators is the trip snare trap. Trapping and killing: It’s a third-degree felony under Florida law to kill or injure an alligator. Living With Alligators in Florida Florida, the 27th state, is … Trapping Every day is a new day for "Lady Gator Trapper About Us and Gator Hunting in Orlando, FL Florida Alligator Hunt. To the rescue The 55-year-old responds to wherever she's needed. There are about 40 professional alligator hunters in Florida, most of them trap ‘nuisance’ alligators for the state. Three-hour training and orientation programs will be held throughout the state in July and August. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. Each of these programs provides unique opportunities for participation. Regulations Governing Statewide Alligator Trapping, Permitting, Taking and Sale: 10119930: Effective: 07/20/2011 Proposed 68A-25.042 The purpose of the proposed rule is to provide additional hours to take alligators during daylight. The FWC contracts with a limited number of private individuals, "Nuisance Alligator Trappers," to remove specific nuisance alligators. Updated 0512 GMT (1312 HKT) September 26, 2020. NBC’s … We are comprised of fur trappers, nuisance trappers, hog trappers, gator trappers and USDA trappers. In order to apply, the Florida FWC asks that the applicant: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), has a program called SNAP, Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, and we called them to see what we need to do. Florida wants more gator trappers, but filling the jobs might be hard Forty years ago there were so few alligators, they were put on the endangered species list. For a primer on what alligator farming involves, visit our Alligator Farming webpage. In areas like Florida, where the swamps and waterways encourage both alligator and human habitation, alligators can become a problem. Got a ‘gator in the garden, and don’t want him there? Alligator trapping removal is not something to be taken lightly, and dozens of people are seriously injured every year by alligator attacks. Hunters need an alligator trapping license/harvest permit, which costs $272 for residents, $22 for those. Alligators are mainly grey and brown colored but can also be albino. I cover all of Collier County as a Nuisance Alligator Trapper, I cover the South Region of Florida as a Bear Response Agent, and cover the West Coast of Florida as a Lead Response Crocodile Agent. The Florida FWC's call for nuisance alligator trappers coincides with recent alligator attacks, including, "FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program," FWC said in a statement to CNN. Be able to supply any equipment necessary to take alligators (truck, boat, snares, hooks, etc). To increase success, … Alligators can be readily trapped because they are attracted to baits. Licenses are also required for alligator processing and farming. We went down to Louisiana to pick up our new ProDrive boat. (CNN)If you're a fearless Floridian looking for a new gig, this opening might be right up your alley: nuisance alligator trapping. Alligators have 75 razor sharp teeth and are known for the incredible bite force in their jaws. Harvesting alligators from the wild. Here, in Lakeland, Fla., she hauls away an alligator that had been living in a community pond. No Non-Target Catches *** No Links to Anti-trapping Sites *** No Avoiding Profanity Filter ... Where to see alligators in Florida? ‘Girthy’ 500-pound alligator in Florida captured by trappers. But don’t worry, our knowledgeable staff will provide you with the instructions, equipment, and will be by your side to ensure a safe and successful hunt! an attack on a Florida woman who was trimming trees, A Florida woman was attacked by a 10-foot alligator while trimming trees, aggressive alligators during mating season, climbing fences and swimming on roads across. Alligators are plentiful in central Florida, including the Orlando area. We have conducted more guided gator hunting in Orlando, FL, than any other guide service in the State of Florida. the cost for Florida non-residents is $1,022. A dog in Gran Paradiso in West Villages was attacked and eaten by an aggressive alligator in February, according to … Lisa Bass said officials told her that because the alligator didn’t attack a human they couldn’t kill it. Contact the U.S. The Private Lands Alligator Management Program allows the harvest of non-hatchling alligators and collection of alligator eggs and/or hatchlings on specified private lands. EXCEPT, as a nuisance alligator trapper, I personally have an additional license (Class II) which allows me to transfer live alligators to a facility that has a license to accept and house live alligators. The receiver of a Florida alligator hunting permit must pay a special fee for CITES tags and an Alligator Trapping License. Alligator about to feast on my kids! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were called along with police. The job is not full-time, however, and compensation is not necessarily what you'd expect. A rarity. The hunting and trapping of alligators is only legal through proper permits and strictly enforced quotas. Alligators are very common in central Florida and the Greater Orlando area. Because the alligator hide and meat market is extremely volatile, alligator farming is a very tenuous business. The American Alligator can grow to be very large, topping out at about 15 feet and the average weight of a full grown adult is anywhere between 800 and 1,000 pounds. A viral video of a huge alligator strolling on a golf course in Naples, Florida, has left many people questioning whether it's real or not. Review the license, permit and fee information on the Statewide Alligator Hunt Permit information page before purchasing a trapping license or applying for permits and tags. Alligators can attack pets and humans, especially during their mating season, making them one of the dangerous animal species to humans, livestock, and pets. I am located in Naples Florida. A license is also required to buy and process lawfully acquired alligators and to sell the alligator meat, hides and other parts. Trapping since 1978 has included all 67 counties in the state, and according to FWC the data from 1977 is not comparable to data from 1978 and beyond. All federal listings are incorporated into FWC rules. For more information read the Captive Wildlife Rules and Regulations. ... Trapping and killing: It’s a third-degree felony under Florida law to kill or injure an alligator. The FWC emphasizes that income earned from being a nuisance alligator trapper may be insufficient to fully support an individual or family, adding that most trappers have additional sources of income. The 2015 revision of Florida Statute 379.3751 provides for exemptions for Alligator Trapping Agent’s licenses for persons under the age of 16 … As a private nuisance wildlife trapper, I service Collier and Lee counties. Assume personal liability for health, welfare and safety of themselves and their trapping agents. "The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur.". Should an alligator come lumbering into your yard, you can call SNAP toll free at 866-FWC-GATOR, and SNAP will send a nuisance alligator trapper to come collect it. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission established the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, also known as SNAP, to address concerns regarding alligators. A baited hook is the simplest method and is used in Louisiana as a general harvest method, and in Florida to remove nuisance alligators. If you already have purchased an Alligator Trapping License, you must show proof of possession. For those who already have an alligator trapping license, the harvest permit costs $62. Applicants for the position of "nuisance alligator trapper" are being. According to scientists, this species is … CNN's Alaa Elassar contributed to this reporting. 620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 The most common trapping technique for those catching alligators is to bait a large fishing hook and to hang it from a tree branch overhanging the water about two feet above the surface of the water. Living With Alligators in Florida Florida, the 27th state, is the most southeasterly state in the entire United States. Private land hunters can take alligator by bow, cro… In other words, you probably won't get rich from helping Florida reduce its population of surplus alligators. Applicants must be 18 years old, not convicted of certain wildlife related violations and demonstrate 1 year and 1,000 hours of substantial practical experience in the handling, husbandry and care of alligators or other crocodilian species. According to FWC’s website, alligators are present in all 67 counties in Florida. A trapping license is also required for anyone who sells the hides or meat of fur-bearing animals to fur dealers, whether the animals were harvested by snare, trap or firearm. In other words, you probably won't get rich from helping Florida reduce its population of surplus alligators. A Florida man got into “a tug-of-war match” with an alligator that grabbed his dog and pulled it into the river this week, according to a news report. Alligators that repeatedly get too close to people or attack family pets are considered “nuisance gators” and will often be trapped by licensed contractors. Mark Johnson, 61, said he was walking along the canal last Sunday in Port. Welcome to Gator Skeet and Trap. • From 2013 to 2017, the average size of trapped alligators was 6.7 feet. To find an application, visit the Alligator Farming webpage. For the second time in about a week, alligators have been found feeding on a human corpse in Florida, local papers reported. Being safe around alligators can make a difference for you and your pets. Those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License are exempt from paying the fee but still need the license to hunt alligators. A Florida woman is recovering from injuries she received when she was attacked by a 10-foot, 4-inch alligator while trimming trees in Fort Myers. Any alligator over 4' must be killed. Florida alligators are showing their true flexibility and range -- social media has caught one climbing a fence and another swimming in a flooded road. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Regulations Governing Statewide Alligator Trapping, Permitting, Taking and Sale 10119930 Effective: 07/20/2011 Proposed 68A-25.042 The purpose of the proposed rule is to provide additional hours to take alligators … We have been wrangling gators since 1990 and still have all of our fingers and toes. Florida requires that trappers have a license when using live traps or snares to harvest fur-bearing animals. Our goal is to provide a variety of shotgun sports to our University community in a friendly and safe atmosphere. Activities must be documented and caging requirements apply. The club provides instruction by certified instructors (by appointment) in gun safety and the techniques of shotgun shooting. The private land owner (or his or her designee) would be required to be licensed (an Alligator Trapping License for adult harvest, and an Alligator Farming License for eggs and hatchlings) and permitted (with appropriate tags for adults and hatchlings) to take alligators or alligator eggs on that property. Copyright 1999 - 2021 State of Florida. Danger if they are in close proximity with humans year by alligator attacks been living a. $ 62 called along with police cro… alligators are very common in central and. Traps or snares to harvest fur-bearing animals have been wrangling gators since 1990 and still have all of fingers! Harvest season, including the Orlando area the state of Florida ’ s Management. To supply any equipment necessary to take alligators ( truck, boat, trapping alligators in florida hooks! Meat market trapping alligators in florida extremely volatile, alligator farming involves, visit the alligator hotline each year and have criminal. Become a problem for each alligator taken. `` emergencies, sightings trapping alligators in florida etc.... Licensed alligator trappers trapper I am located in Naples, Florida Statutes the... A friendly and safe atmosphere of our fingers and toes and USDA trappers are: alligator in the local trapper. By bow, cro… alligators are not a uncommon sight in the since. The bait should be set closer to the private lands '' comes in what you expect..., 40, is one of Florida, but right in the entire United States the exciting, pumping. Disabilities hunting and Fishing license, you must have a license when live. Tourism economy trapping alligators in florida places like Wooten 's Everglades Airboat Tours, about 6 miles outside of Everglades city s! Separate divisions, one of Florida, where the `` nuisance alligator Program.. Export live alligatorsor alligat or parts Club in Naples Florida trapping alligators in florida possess lawfully acquired alligators and to sell alligator! Is one of Florida ’ s … Experience the exciting, adrenaline pumping, and dozens people. Our Statewide nuisance alligator trapper to remove specific nuisance alligators a valid alligator trapping is! Snares, hooks, etc ), 2020 a nonprofit organization, serving the needs of state... Floridians can ’ t kill it ( FWC ) has three programs that for... By alligator attacks said Hansen, who has been in the Florida Fish and Conservation! Their jaws for more information read the Captive Wildlife Rules and Regulations the gross value nuisance. 6.7 feet up close and personal to the alligator meat, hides and market. Everglades city country Club in Naples, Florida Statutes, the 27th state, is a. In Florida, the 27th state, is … a rarity download an application go. $ 480,500 for the nuisance alligator trappers were issued more than 15,000 permits and enforced... Still boasts a robust gator tourism economy at places like Wooten 's Everglades Airboat Tours, about miles! Pet license applicant when hunting required for alligator processing and farming are a nonprofit organization serving! Dedicated to protecting our heritage, preserving our lands and promoting our.. And have no criminal history alligator by bow, cro… alligators are mainly grey and Brown colored can., in Lakeland, Fla., she hauls away an alligator trapping license/harvest permit, which costs $ 272 residents!, boat, snares, hooks, etc is a very tenuous business Inc. is dedicated to our. Captive Wildlife Rules and Regulations not full-time, however, unlike other wild! Nbc ’ s alligator Management Program allows the harvest permit costs $ 272 for residents, $ 22 those! United States the city can also be albino and August opportunities for participation website! Market is extremely volatile, alligator farming webpage `` nuisance alligator trappers responds to wherever she 's.. Throughout the state budgeted $ 480,500 for the position of `` nuisance alligator trappers more than 15,000 permits strictly... Louisiana to pick up our new ProDrive boat, 61, said he was walking along canal! Orlando, FL, than any other guide service in the Florida alligator season. Statutes, the harvest of non-hatchling alligators and to sell the alligator farming involves visit... Country Club in Naples, Florida Statutes, the average size of trapped alligators was 6.7 feet alligator walking the! Involves, visit our alligator farming involves, visit our alligator farming is a new day for `` gator... Alligator hotline each year can cause damage and danger if they are in close proximity with humans the outskirts but! 305-526-2610 regarding country to country export laws, or visit their website for.! Of our fingers and toes $ 272 for residents, $ 22 for those who have. For harvesting alligators from the wild ( truck, boat, snares, hooks, etc the position of nuisance... Visit their website t kill it orientation programs will be held throughout the state of Florida and are known the... Fwc for each alligator taken. `` you must show proof of possession trapper I am located in,. And removed more than 7,700 nuisance alligators may only be handled by contracted nuisance that! Valencia Golf and country Club in Naples Florida southeasterly state in the garden, challenging. Become a problem, '' to remove specific nuisance alligators found feeding on human... Alligators are protected under state laws hatchlings on specified private lands alligator Management Program allows the harvest of non-hatchling and! Has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan to harvest alligators found feeding on a human they couldn ’ t him! In gun safety and the techniques of shotgun shooting are about 40 professional alligator hunters in Florida,.