Alligator with its mouth open — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Ernie Hounshell
Three more alligators have been removed from the same area in northern St. Lucie County days after an alligator tragically murdered an 85-year-old woman.
According to wildlife officials, Gloria Serge was drawn into the water by a 10-foot alligator while she was walking her tiny dog at a retention pond at Spanish Lakes Fairways in Fort Pierce.
The president of the Spanish Lakes Fairways homeowners association recently announced that three alligators had been removed from the neighborhood, according to The Gainesville Sun.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and representatives from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office were present when Jay Mandelker announced the removal of the reptiles at a monthly HOA meeting, according to WPEC.
“They did so to allay any concerns and to make us realize the precautions we should take with regard to wildlife, alligators in particular,” Mandelker told The Gainesville Sun. “If you’re walking by a lake, a pond, anywhere in Florida, understand, this is Florida, there could be alligators, so do not walk against the edges of any pond or lake, stay a safe distance away.”
Mandelker apparently didn’t know whether the three alligators removed from the area came from the same pond where Serge perished, but he did admit that since all the local waters were interconnected, it was feasible for an alligator to travel to any of the ponds.
The FWC claims that the reptile tried to take the dog first during the attack on Serge, which took place on Monday afternoon.
The body of the 85-year-old was pulled from the water. According to FWC, a nuisance alligator trapper captured and killed the animal.
The FWC states that if an alligator is at least 4 feet long and deemed to be a hazard to people, animals, or property, it may be classified as a nuisance. Via its Nationwide Nuisance Alligator Program, the organization employs contracted alligator trappers to eliminate any animals endangering public safety (SNAP).
According to the FWC, there are 1.3 million alligators in Florida.
Call the FWC’s free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR if you have any concerns about a potential nuisance alligator (866-392-4286).
On MyFWC.com/Alligator, you may find more information about coexisting with alligators.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
