An 11-foot alligator who was looking for love was captured Saturday night on the golf cart path near Palmer Legends Championship Golf Course.
Dr. R. Lee Smith of the Village of Buttonwood was traveling in his golf cart at about 10:30 p.m. when he came upon trappers wrangling the alligator.
“I arrived to see them wrestle and tape its jaw shut and watched as they loaded it in the truck,” Smith said.
The trappers told him the alligator was probably looking for females in the area. Read more about alligator mating season which begins in mid-April and continues through the end of May.
Earlier this month, a Village of Fernandina woman encountered an alligator on Morse Boulevard.
A few reminders from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with regard to alligators:
• Observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember, they’re an important part of Florida’s natural history as well as an integral component of aquatic ecosystems.
• Never feed alligators – it’s dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. When this happens, some of these alligators have to be removed and killed.
• Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators. Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Dogs often attract an alligator’s interest, so do not swim with your dog.
• Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators.
• Generally, alligators less than four feet in length are not large enough to be dangerous unless handled. However, if you encounter any alligator that you believe poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWCGATOR (866-392-4286). Nuisance alligators are killed, not relocated.
