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Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program | ||
If you need to report a nuisance alligator, call The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is administered through contracts between the Commission and nuisance alligator trappers. Approximately 40 private trappers are contracted to remove specific nuisance alligators. Individuals may call the toll-free number to submit complaints regarding nuisance alligators. The Commission will evaluate the complaint and determine if the alligator should be removed by a licensed nuisance alligator trapper. This program permits the removal of alligators that are determined to be a threat to the welfare of the public, or the public’s pets, livestock, or property. It is illegal for the general public to kill, capture, or relocate nuisance alligators. |  | |
Program News and Information | Alligator Menu | |
New! The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is looking for nuisance alligator trappers for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties (Closes: March 19, 2010) as well as Indian River and St. Lucie Counties (Closes: March 26, 2010) For information and to apply, see our Nuisance Alligator Trapper Information. In 2009, FWC received more than 14,000 nuisance alligator complaints. Nuisance alligator trappers were issued nearly 11,000 permits and tags and removed nearly 8,000 nuisance alligators. New! Living with Alligators Public Service Announcement video What is a nuisance alligator? Generally, alligators may be considered a nuisance when they are at least 4 feet in length and pose a threat to people or their pets or property. Alligators less than 4 feet in length are naturally fearful of people and are not generally capable of eating anything larger than a small turtle. They eat small fish, frogs, and other small animals. They are too small to be a threat to even small pets and pose no threat to people. They are typically not dangerous to people unless someone attempts to handle them. Also, they are common in Florida, and the mere presence of a small alligator is not cause for concern, even when they turn up in places where people may not expect to see them such as retention ponds and drainage ditches. However, occasionally alligators less than 4 feet in length are legitimate problems and must be addressed. If an alligator less than four feet in length approaches people, does not retreat if approached, or is in a location that is not natural, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program strives to reduce the threat from alligators to people and their property in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where alligators naturally occur. If you have a nuisance alligator call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). What happens to nuisance alligators? Nuisance alligator trapper information Read about the history of Florida's nuisance alligator program, and how to live with alligators If you know of an area where the feeding of alligators is occurring or may occur, and you have authorization to do so, you can print and post this sign Alligator Bite Information
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Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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