Croc Encounters is a reptile sanctuary, not an animal nuisance trapper. Alligators that are
truly a nuisance should be reported to a nuisance trapper. There is only one per county in
the state of Florida, licensed by Florida Fish and Wildlife.
truly a nuisance should be reported to a nuisance trapper. There is only one per county in
the state of Florida, licensed by Florida Fish and Wildlife.
Alligators play an important role in Florida’s ecosystem. These are our top level predators.
Having them here keeps the populations of other animals in check.
If we do not feed wild alligators, they will not seek people out. They avoid humans and do not
see us as a food source, unless they are fed. An alligator in a pond in your neighborhood is
not a nuisance. However, an alligator that approaches people is. There is a difference.
Because Croc Encounters is licensed by Florida Fish and Wildlife to keep and exhibit
crocodilians, we are allowed to accept nuisance alligators from the trappers in the state.
However, if they are placed at our sanctuary, the trapper does not get paid from the product
from the animal. It is not to the advantage of the trapper to do this and therefore we do not
usually get animals in this way.
Having them here keeps the populations of other animals in check.
If we do not feed wild alligators, they will not seek people out. They avoid humans and do not
see us as a food source, unless they are fed. An alligator in a pond in your neighborhood is
not a nuisance. However, an alligator that approaches people is. There is a difference.
Because Croc Encounters is licensed by Florida Fish and Wildlife to keep and exhibit
crocodilians, we are allowed to accept nuisance alligators from the trappers in the state.
However, if they are placed at our sanctuary, the trapper does not get paid from the product
from the animal. It is not to the advantage of the trapper to do this and therefore we do not
usually get animals in this way.
Being residents of Florida we must learn to live side by side with alligators and all the
other wildlife native to our state. With Florida’s growing population, there are less and less
natural areas for these animals to live. We are encroaching on their habitat and there will
inevitably be conflicts. These conflicts can be reduced if we treat these animals with the
respect that they deserve. Respect means not attempting to handle or feed wild animals,
but rather observing them from a safe distance and allowing them to go on their way.
At Croc Encounters, we face questions from the public regarding their pets and alligators.
Alligators typically prey on animals such as small mammals (raccoons, opossum, rodents,
etc.), birds (ducks, herons, egrets, etc.), turtles, and fish. An animal the size of a small-
medium sized dog or cat is appropriately sized for an alligator to consider a food source. It
is not the alligators fault!
The alligator is wild, dogs and cats are not. Please keep your animals indoors, in fenced
yards or on a leash.
other wildlife native to our state. With Florida’s growing population, there are less and less
natural areas for these animals to live. We are encroaching on their habitat and there will
inevitably be conflicts. These conflicts can be reduced if we treat these animals with the
respect that they deserve. Respect means not attempting to handle or feed wild animals,
but rather observing them from a safe distance and allowing them to go on their way.
At Croc Encounters, we face questions from the public regarding their pets and alligators.
Alligators typically prey on animals such as small mammals (raccoons, opossum, rodents,
etc.), birds (ducks, herons, egrets, etc.), turtles, and fish. An animal the size of a small-
medium sized dog or cat is appropriately sized for an alligator to consider a food source. It
is not the alligators fault!
The alligator is wild, dogs and cats are not. Please keep your animals indoors, in fenced
yards or on a leash.
