We all understand why magnificent raptors like the Bald and Golden eagles are protected. It is easy to see why the protection of the rare Florida panther helps preserve the species. Alligators appear abundant all over the southern USA, especially in Florida. It can perplex kayakers to comprehend why Florida has laws that protect alligators.
Florida laws protect alligators because of their similarity to endangered crocodiles. Alligators maintain a critical balance in the ecosystem and health of the water in the Everglades, which provides water to inhabitants in South Florida. Therefore, kayakers should not interfere with alligators in any way.
If you’re kayaking in Florida and you see an alligator, giving it a wide berth is best. Do not try to touch or feed it. Alligators are wild animals, and they should be respected as such.
Those caught harassing, killing, or unlawfully taking alligators can face heavy fines and jail time. It’s essential to understand and obey the laws protecting alligators in Florida, not just for the sake of the animals but also for your safety.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about alligator laws in Florida, so you can enjoy your kayaking adventure while staying safe and respecting the local wildlife.
Why Does Florida Have Laws Protecting Alligators?
Alligators became endangered during the early 1900s due to unregulated trapping and hunting. As a result, they were seen as dangerous pests and eradicated by farmers and homeowners.
By 1967 alligator numbers were so low that they were in danger of becoming extinct. They were declared an endangered species and became protected by law. After that, American alligator numbers began increasing due to laws that penalized hunting or killing them.
Currently, there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Although lay people may feel that there are too many alligators, conservationists disagree. The number of alligators in Florida is regarded as an optimal number.
The laws remain in place, protecting them from indiscriminate hunting. In some regions of Florida, hunting permits are issued with regulations on the size and number of alligators that may be hunted. This carefully controlled hunting keeps the numbers in check while preserving the species.
Urban expansion severely infringes on the alligators’ habitat, and if they are not protected, they will face extinction again.
Laws Protect American Alligators And Crocodiles
One of the reasons that the alligator protection laws remain in force in Florida is that Florida is home to the American crocodile, which is an endangered species. Unfortunately, many people cannot tell the difference due to the similarities between alligators and crocodiles.
Hunters and trappers may exploit the similarities and kill crocodiles while ‘hunting alligators.’ Federal laws protecting both species remain active to protect American crocodiles, which only occur in Florida and the USA.
Alligators Are Essential To The Ecosystem
Alligators are apex predators in the Everglades and prey on many species, which could have a population explosion if there are no natural predators. Therefore, it is critical for the numbers of all species in the ecosystem to remain balanced to keep it healthy and functioning correctly.
The Everglades are the water source providing most homes in South Florida. Therefore, it must have a stable ecosystem to remain clean enough for drinking water.
An ecosystem is unbalanced when bacteria, algae, and fungi overgrow in water. When this happens, the water becomes undrinkable and uninhabitable for many animal species.
Alligators make deep depressions in the mud and banks of rivers and swamps. These gator holes are expanded yearly and become permanent features in the landscape. They usually remain full of water through the dry period.
Water-filled gator holes allow turtles, fish, snakes, and birds to survive through dry periods when water and food sources may be scarce. They become natural ponds as the water dries up from more exposed areas.
In the cypress swamps that grow in limestone, the gator holes become deep, and ecosystems develop within these large water holes. In rocky glades and prairies, the gator holes are shallower but still allow many species to survive through the dry period.
What Laws Protect Alligators In Florida?
Various laws in Florida protect alligators and crocodiles.
- It is illegal to intentionally kill or capture alligators of any age or size unless a hunting or trapping permit has been granted.
- It is illegal to disturb or destroy alligator nests or take or disturb the eggs.
- It is illegal to have alligator teeth and skin in your possession unless purchased legally. (proof may be required)
- It is illegal to feed or lure alligators.
- The only time an alligator may be killed is in self-defense.
What Do Alligator Protection Laws Mean For Kayakers?
Kayakers must take precautions to avoid disturbing alligators or threatening them. Kayakers should not disturb nests and avoid areas where there are alligator nests.
This is a wise action as alligator mothers fiercely protect their nests and will charge, attacking kayaks near the nest.
It is illegal to feed alligators. This means that kayakers must keep food wrappers or leftovers safely stored in their kayak to be disposed of once they are off the water.
Many people use kayaks for fishing. It is critical to reel fish in slowly to avoid too much splashing, which will catch the attention of alligators. Fish cannot be cleaned or gutted near the river edge, where alligators may feed on the fish entrails.
Feeding alligators makes them habituated to humans, and they lose their fear of people. If they expect food and are not fed by people, alligators become aggressive and may attack.
Kayakers may not lure alligators closer to take photographs or videos. This is illegal. Infractions of alligator laws allow the arresting officer to seize and impound kayaks and boats.
Authorities recommend kayakers avoid times between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active. During these times, alligators are more active and hunt for prey.
Alligator mating season occurs from April to June. Kayakers should avoid heavily alligator-infested water during these months. Mating alligators are territorial, and their behavior is unpredictable.
Kayakers can only kill an alligator in self-defense if attacked. A judge determines whether the situation was warranted as self-defense.
What Are The Penalties for Violating Alligator Protection Laws?
In South Carolina, a bill was passed that allowed fines between $500 to $1,000 for people who molest, feed, or entice alligators. A viral video of people sitting on a restrained alligator prompted the bill.
This is considered animal abuse and is a felony in the state of Florida.
Anyone caught violating the Florida Statute is subject to a felony of the third degree. In addition, the accused is punishable by imprisonment of no more than five years. You may even be subject to fines for harassing or disturbing wildlife.
Final Word
Alligators are protected in Florida due to their similarity to crocodiles and their importance in the natural ecosystems.
They are currently at optimal numbers in Florida. Numbers are controlled through legislation and careful management of hunting and trapping permits.
It is illegal to kill, endanger or interfere with alligators, and kayakers must respect the laws.
Related Articles
- Are There Alligators At Kings Landing?
- Which States Have Alligators and Crocodiles?
- Are Alligators A Problem At Disney World?
- Tips For Kayaking Around Alligators
- Can I Take My Dog to The Everglades?
- What Colors Are Alligators Attracted To?
- Do Florida Beaches Have Alligators And Crocodiles?
Sources
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2012/775.082
https://www.clickorlando.com/pets/2021/07/13/what-you-need-to-know-about-alligator-laws-in-florida/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-carolina-alligator-harassment-bill-viral-video/