It is illegal to feed wild alligators in Florida. Feeding alligators can make them lose their natural fear of humans and can lead to dangerous situations for both people and alligators.
If you see an alligator, it is best to admire it from a distance and leave it alone.
However, in a video shared by OnlyinFlorida on Instagram, one Florida man got up close and personal while in the water with a gator, feeding it a sandwich.
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There are a few places in Florida where you can feed alligators in a controlled environment.
For example, Gatorland in Orlando offers a feeding show where you can watch trained professionals feed alligators. However, it is important to note that these alligators are not wild and have been trained to interact with humans.
If you are caught feeding an alligator, you may be fined up to $500 and/or jailed for up to 60 days.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for managing alligators in Florida. The FWC has a number of programs in place to help people live with alligators safely. These programs include:
- Alligator Management Program: The FWC manages alligators through a variety of methods, including hunting, trapping, and relocating. The FWC also works to educate the public about alligators and how to live with them safely.
- Nuisance Alligator Program: The FWC has a nuisance alligator program that allows people to report alligators that are a nuisance. The FWC will then dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to remove the alligator.
- Alligator Hotline: The FWC has an alligator hotline that people can call to report alligators that are a nuisance or to get more information about living with alligators safely. The hotline number is 866-FWC-GATOR (4286).
If you see someone feeding an alligator, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert at 888-404-FWCC or visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
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