Deputy Chandler Anderson and Sergeant Jon Reckenwald of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office recently completed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) alligator-handling course. This specialized training prepares deputies to safely manage and remove what the state classifies as “nuisance” alligators, which are alligators over four feet in length that end up in residential areas.
Safe Alligator Handling
During the program, the deputies went through a comprehensive crocodilian curriculum, practicing reading the animals’ body language, securing their jaws safely, and working as a coordinated team to control the reptiles without causing unnecessary harm. The core rules of safely managing these animals are to “communicate, stay calm, and respect the animal.”
With rising temperatures keeping alligators highly active, local authorities are strongly reminding the public never to attempt capturing or moving an alligator on their own, as this is highly dangerous and constitutes a felony under Florida state law. Instead, residents who encounter a disruptive or poorly misplaced alligator are advised to keep a safe distance and contact the professionals immediately by calling the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
