Please don’t feed the alligators

  • Published
  • By Amy Oliver
  • 16 SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla --  Four alligators were removed from Gator Lake and destroyed in August because they showed signs of being fed by humans.

The alligators ranged in size from 7 feet, 8 inches to 10 feet 4 inches.

Alligators are naturally afraid of humans. They will quickly move away and submerge in water if someone gets too close, according to Philip Pruitt, 16th Civil Engineer Squadron and Hurlburt Field's natural resources manager. However, if people feed them, they lose this natural fear and begin to associate humans with a food source, creating a very dangerous situation.

Mr. Pruitt monitors the wildlife situations on base and facilitates corrective actions by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission if needed.

"We watched the pond several evenings, and took the alligators that didn't shy away from us," said Mr. Pruitt. "Alligators as large as the ones we removed can be potentially dangerous to humans, especially if they have been fed."

Hurlburt Field is surrounded on three sides by the East Bay Swamp, much of which is accessible only by boat.

Consequently, this provides a perfect habitat for the American alligator. Most ponds and ditches on base contain a resident alligator. The network of streams within the East Bay Swamp allows them an easy means of travel.

"For the most part, we co-exist well. But when people start feeding a gator they are sealing its fate," said Mr. Pruitt.

According to state law, any nuisance alligator more than four feet long cannot be removed - it must be destroyed.

In addition to creating a dangerous situation, feeding an alligator is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by six months in jail and a $500 fine.

So, if you're out on a morning jog along RED HORSE Road or about to tee off on the 8th hole at the Gator Lakes Golf Course, and you happen to see one of these resident alligators, enjoy the experience from a safe distance, and feel free to take photographs. But, just don't feed the alligator.

To report a nuisance alligator, call Mr. Pruitt at 884-4651 during duty hours. After duty hours, contact pest management at 884-6173.