Social Media Post Exposes Illegal Alligator Handling in Collier County

Photo for illustrative purposes onlyPhoto byMatthew EssmanonUnsplash

An alligator hunter is facing legal repercussions after a social media post revealed he failed to immediately kill or release a legally caught alligator in STA 3/4.

According to the report, officers discovered the violation through a video in which the hunter filmed himself and others with the live alligator, subsequently posting several pictures online.

After conducting an investigation, the suspect was identified and an interview with the subject was conducted at his Collier County residence.

During the interview, the hunter confessed to violating administrative code 68A-25.042(3)(d)1, which mandates that alligators captured by snares or snatch hooks must be released or killed immediately. As a result, he was issued a notice to appear citation for his actions.