VENICE, Fla.— Authorities have captured one of the biggest alligators ever seen in Sarasota County.
On Sunday, deputies and Florida Fish and Wildlife officials caught a 13-foot monster at Shamrock Park in Venice.
Law enforcement said the gator was caught as part of an FWC "investigation."
Word of the unspecified investigation comes after two German Shepherds were attacked last Friday while running off-leash in a swampy part of the park. One dog is presumed dead and the other had to be put to sleep.
Animal Services Supervisor Carl Sellitti said this may be the biggest alligator the sheriff's office has ever seen. And, he's been there 20 years.
Trappers removed the gator after it was caught.
Florida has a stable alligator population of approximately 1.3 million gators.
The FWC runs the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to deal with specific alligators that pose threats to people, pets or property. People with concerns about a particular gator should call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR. When called, the FWC dispatches a contracted trapper.
The FWC recommends never feeding alligators, keeping your distance from them, swimming only in designated swim areas during daylight hours and keeping pets away from the water. Click here for more information.
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