I find it interesting that as much that alligators are a way of life in Florida, so many people know so little about them.  There are a number of reasons for that.  One is that so many Floridians are originally from other parts of the country and the world.  Growing up in the Midwest, the most exotic animals we might encounter in our landscape are deer, skunks, raccoons, rabbits and squirrels.  I suppose we might hear of an occasional fox or porcupine mishap, but we would never hear stories of a seven-foot reptile crossing the road or swimming in our ponds.

      Another reason is that alligators are generally very good at staying out of our way.  Often, the alligator incidents we hear about in the news are a result of a rare chain of circumstances or very careless human behavior.

      I do not claim to be an alligator expert, but I do not mind sharing information I have observed or learned.  I will make every effort to offer a balance of information and not to provide information that is only slanted in favor of or against the trapping of alligators.  Regardless of individual opinions, the fact is that trapping takes place in Florida.  Hopefully, most all of this is performed in compliance of all Florida state, regional and local statutes.  And while I attempt to remain neutral in any trapping related controversy, I will not hesitate to point out that people need to take responsibility to change laws they disagree with, but otherwise follow them as best they can until they do.

How many alligators are in Osprey Lake?

      The number of alligators in any lake can dramatically change in short periods of time.  When we first moved to Osprey Lakes, we were from out-of-state and unaware of how prevalent alligators are.  We foolishly asked the DR Horton home sellers if they knew if any alligators were in Osprey Lakes.  Of course they gave us a vague response because they knew that alligators are in virtually every lake in Florida.  In 2004, a 9-foot 4-inch alligator was removed from Osprey Lake (photos).  As of May 2006, residents have reported seeing four sizable alligators in Osprey Lake. Presumably there are more that are good at staying out of sight.

Have any of the Osprey Lakes alligators ever harmed anyone?

      I have heard a story of an alligator nabbing a small dog some years ago.  This is a common story throughout Florida.  Someone recently told me a similar story of a leashed dog being grabbed by an alligator near a lake on a golf course.  I don't know how much the truth gets entangled with myths and legends, but I suspect small pets are a common prey for alligators.  I see small dogs frequently satisfy their curiosity at the edge of a lake and I think gators may often get the best of them when they do.

Are alligators endangered?

      Poaching in the 50's and 60's put alligators on an endangered species list, but they have long since been removed from that list when alligators became a protected species.  It is illegal to feed or trap an alligator without a proper license.  The strict laws are designed not only to protect the alligator's existence, but also to keep the public safe.  Alligators are very good at repeating whatever they can do to get food easily.  If fed once, they will return again to be fed again and they can easily become aggravated if the ease of finding the food has decreased.

Will alligators come into my yard?

      They probably do.  Alligators prefer to roam at dawn and dusk while the creatures of day and night start and stop their feeding patterns.  They'll stir more during the cover of dark and sleep of the day in a favorite spot.  If alligators make their way around a house, they may end up under a parked car or in an open garage.  It is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings not just for alligators, but also for snakes.

Will alligators attack my children?

      It is not very likely that any one person will ever be attacked by an alligator, but common sense should always prevail.  Obviously, the smaller the child, the more important that child should always be supervised.  As a rule, alligators are intimidated by people and will prefer to dive into the water or into the brush away from human activity.

How fast is an alligator?

      From what I understand, alligators can run up to 30 miles per hour for short distances.  If chased by an alligator, it is a great idea to run quickly, but to also zigzag.  The zigzag pattern confuses an alligator and it is difficult for them to pursue prey that runs in a zigzag pattern.

How fast do alligators grow?

      If an alligator makes it past it's first year of age, it might grow to become 40 years of age.  An alligator will grow about one for each year for the first six years.  After the sixth year, alligators growth is very slow.

Can I feel safe swimming in Osprey Lake?

      I have talked to several trappers and they all agree people should not swim in alligator infested waters.  I personally think people who swim in Osprey Lake are taking a chance but others would tell you I am overly concerned.

What do I do if I see an alligator in Osprey Lake?

      Get a camera or a pair of binoculars and enjoy the view.  Alligators are a part of our environment in Florida.

Should I call anyone if I see an alligator?

      Call your neighbor and ask them to enjoy the view with you.

I'd feel safer if the alligators in Osprey Lake were removed.  What can I do?

      If an alligator is more than 4 feet long and is seen in close proximity to people and their homes, it can be considered a nuisance alligator.  A nuisance alligator is a term that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission assigns to alligators that meet the above stated criteria.  An alligator does not have to be known to have attacked a person or pet to be defined as a nuisance and to be considered for removal by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.  When you call, the Commission will ask a few questions and make a determination as to whether a trapper should be sent.  There is no charge to you for the call or for the process to trap the alligator.  The phone number to call is 1-866-FWC-GATOR.

Some people tell me I should not call about an alligator if it has not tried to attack anyone.  Should I listen to them?

      You should listen to your heart and do what you think is right.  It is not illegal to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission or visit their web site at http://www.floridaconservation.org for information to help make a decision.  As with any decision in your life, especially when it can result in the destruction of a life, it is best to take the time to be informed.  Do not limit your access to information from one source.  Most information is provided by people or organizations that pick and choose the data that reinforces an ideal or agenda that they believe in.  To form a balanced belief, make an effort to consider all the facts, not just some facts.  Unfortunately, there are people who take some sort of pleasure in the destruction of animals. Many people may also attempt to relieve unfounded phobias by having a threat removed.  I believe that getting the facts about this type of decision should include a well-balanced assessment of what might be motivating the decision.

Are alligators trapped humanely?

      Not too long ago, we caught a large armadillo that was causing havoc in our lawn.  Once we caught it, I was faced with the problem of what to do with it.  I called Animal Control as well the Wildlife Commission.  They basically told me I had a choice to either release it or destroy it.  If I destroyed it, I was told I had to do it in a humane way.  When I asked what a "humane way" was, no one had a clear definition.  I imagine the bottom line is that no one really cared as long as I did not upset any animal activists.  I finally called a local exterminator who relocated the animal and returned our empty cage.

      Because alligators are big and extremely dangerous, trappers can not simply lure them into a small wire enclosure and readily carry them elsewhere.  Trappers use large hooks as tools to capture them.  The alligators will either swallow the hooks and be pulled by the ropes attached to them or other hooked tools might be used to pierce their hide from the outside to steer them where the trappers need them.

      Once the trapper has captured the alligator, larger ones are shot in the head with a bang stick or at close range with a pistol.  We have seen situations where the first few shots may not kill the creature right away, so we can only imagine the pain that it endures until it actually dies.

      Smaller alligators are kept alive with the hooks embedded in them to keep the meat fresh.  Once it has been killed, the trapper has only two hours to get the carcass to a processor.

      As terrible as this sounds, and it is terrible, most meats we buy from the grocer have been harvested in ways that would make most of us squirm.  We think nothing of seeing dads and sons tearing worms into pieces and stringing them onto torturous hooks for an afternoon of tormenting fish.  You can go to a restaurant where they'll boil your lobster alive or we'll watch game shows where contestants swallow living goldfish or chew on insects that certainly feel something from the experience.

      I don't mention these other events in judgment, but to offer perspective.  Alligators are not endangered.  Virtually all the parts are used for food and clothing.  I personally find it difficult to understand why trapping an alligator is any different than hunting deer, shooting quail, fishing for bass or butchering a cow.  All of these creatures have the capacity to feel pain and all of them deserve as humane treatment as possible.

      I respect the job of an alligator trapper.  It is a dangerous job and I am glad that there are those who step up to the plate to do the job.  I could not do it.  My hope is that a trapper never takes pleasure in the infliction of pain on the animals and refrain from any unnecessary treatment that might cause such pain.  Considering the dangers, it is my opinion that the work the trappers do is as humane as it can be.

In this month of May 2006, why have we been hearing more about alligators?

  We have been hearing more about alligators lately for two reasons.  The first is that it is mating season.  Alligators are more aggressive during this time of year.  The second reason is that we have been in a drought situation for quite some time.  As the marshes dry up, alligators will roam to find new waterways.  Snakes and turtles are other animals that will leave the marshes looking for water.