POLK COUNTY, Fla. — While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, the state is aiming to proactively combat alligator threats by hiring contracted nuisance alligator trappers.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is accepting applications in Polk County through the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP).
Contracted nuisance alligator trappers are primarily used to remove alligators that are seemingly a threat to people, pets or property, according to the FWC. Contractors are primarily compensated through the sale and marketing of alligator products, including meat and hides, as well as small expense reimbursements from the FWC for each caught alligator, the commission said.
Applicants for the position must pass a criminal history check, have no fish or wildlife law violations and have a working email address.
The FWC does not supply necessary equipment, and applicants should have the supplies handy. This includes a truck, boat, snares, hooks or any other alligator-catching appliances. Contracted trappers also assume personal liability for the health, welfare and safety of themselves and their trapping agents.
Once caught, the contractor is responsible for not relocating the alligator, as they are prone to returning to their original location. The trapped alligators tend to be sold to licensed meat processors and hide buyers. A full list can be found here.
In order to submit an application, the FWC advises those interested to complete the nuisance alligator trapper application. Applications are due June 25, 2024. More information about how to become a contracting nuisance alligator trapper can be found on the FWC website.
People with concerns about an alligator on or near their property can call the FWC's toll-free nuisance alligator hotline at (866) FWC-GATOR and a contracted trapper will be dispatched.
