RECENT GATOR SIGHTINGS IN LAUDERDALE ISLES
May 17th, 2014. He's back
AND he was back in JUNE, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER.
KEEP AN EYE OUT AND REPORT HIM IF YOU SPOT HIM IN YOUR CANAL!
After not being seen since February, this gator is back again. This picture was taken on May 17th on the Dolphin Canal between Gulfstream and Key Largo Lanes. The gator trapper was called, and he advised that he received 5 calls about this gator during the previous week.
AND he was back in JUNE, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER.
KEEP AN EYE OUT AND REPORT HIM IF YOU SPOT HIM IN YOUR CANAL!
After not being seen since February, this gator is back again. This picture was taken on May 17th on the Dolphin Canal between Gulfstream and Key Largo Lanes. The gator trapper was called, and he advised that he received 5 calls about this gator during the previous week.
February 12th, 2014
ISN'T THIS GUY SUPPOSED TO BE ON WINTER VACATION OUT IN THE EVERGLADES?
This gator was spotted Feb 12th at 1:30PM in the Rockfish Canal between Okeechobee and Sugarloaf Lanes. Keep an eye out for him. If you spot him, call:
1-866-FWC-GATOR
Note: Our local trapper will capture it and take it to the Gator Boys Alligator Center at Holiday Park.
ISN'T THIS GUY SUPPOSED TO BE ON WINTER VACATION OUT IN THE EVERGLADES?
This gator was spotted Feb 12th at 1:30PM in the Rockfish Canal between Okeechobee and Sugarloaf Lanes. Keep an eye out for him. If you spot him, call:
1-866-FWC-GATOR
Note: Our local trapper will capture it and take it to the Gator Boys Alligator Center at Holiday Park.
November 21
At the Lauderdale Isles Civic Improvement Association quarterly meeting on November 21, several neighbors mentioned a gator that was seen frequently in the canal between Key Largo and Marathon Lanes in September and October. Martin K. provided this picture taken in late September. It was also mentioned that there is a homeowner on Marathon who had a bunch of kids over for a party this summer, and the kids were swimming up and down the canal---probably not a good idea. Everyone at the LICIA meeting agreed - our canals are not an appropriate place for gators, and that the FWC Nuisance Alligator number 1-866-FWC-GATOR should be called immediately when a gator is sighted.
At the Lauderdale Isles Civic Improvement Association quarterly meeting on November 21, several neighbors mentioned a gator that was seen frequently in the canal between Key Largo and Marathon Lanes in September and October. Martin K. provided this picture taken in late September. It was also mentioned that there is a homeowner on Marathon who had a bunch of kids over for a party this summer, and the kids were swimming up and down the canal---probably not a good idea. Everyone at the LICIA meeting agreed - our canals are not an appropriate place for gators, and that the FWC Nuisance Alligator number 1-866-FWC-GATOR should be called immediately when a gator is sighted.
November 20 Update - Maybe he's gone
Despite several trips by the alligator trapper, Kevin Garvey, he was unable to locate the gator pictured below. However, neighbors in the area have advised that this gator, which had been spotted frequently for months, has not been seen in over three weeks. Maybe he's gone, hopefully for good. Hopefully, he didn't just move to another nearby canal. . . . .
More Good News
The alligator trapper has been assigned a permit by the state to remove alligators out of the SR 84 canal at Flamingo Road. The purpose is to catch the gators before they move downstream and end up in more populated areas, like Lauderdale Isles. Kevin told me that he has removed multiple alligators at this Flamingo Road/SR84 location.
October 8 Update:
The gator in the pictures below between Marathon and Nassau Lanes was spotted again several times during the last week of September. The FWC Nuisance Alligator Program was notified in order to dispatch the alligator trapper again. No word yet if it's been caught. Since there are virtually no ducks in the Isles (ducks are the number one food source for alligators), it is suspected that someone is feeding this gator. Feeding alligators is illegal - see the "Alligator Facts" below.
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August Sightings and pictures:
The alligator in these three pictures was spotted in the canal between Marathon and Nassau Lanes on Thursday, August 22. The alligator trapper has been notified. Hopefully, the next picture will be of this guy being loaded into the back of the trapper's pickup truck. Thanks to Frank H. on Nassau Lane for these pics!
Despite several trips by the alligator trapper, Kevin Garvey, he was unable to locate the gator pictured below. However, neighbors in the area have advised that this gator, which had been spotted frequently for months, has not been seen in over three weeks. Maybe he's gone, hopefully for good. Hopefully, he didn't just move to another nearby canal. . . . .
More Good News
The alligator trapper has been assigned a permit by the state to remove alligators out of the SR 84 canal at Flamingo Road. The purpose is to catch the gators before they move downstream and end up in more populated areas, like Lauderdale Isles. Kevin told me that he has removed multiple alligators at this Flamingo Road/SR84 location.
October 8 Update:
The gator in the pictures below between Marathon and Nassau Lanes was spotted again several times during the last week of September. The FWC Nuisance Alligator Program was notified in order to dispatch the alligator trapper again. No word yet if it's been caught. Since there are virtually no ducks in the Isles (ducks are the number one food source for alligators), it is suspected that someone is feeding this gator. Feeding alligators is illegal - see the "Alligator Facts" below.
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August Sightings and pictures:
The alligator in these three pictures was spotted in the canal between Marathon and Nassau Lanes on Thursday, August 22. The alligator trapper has been notified. Hopefully, the next picture will be of this guy being loaded into the back of the trapper's pickup truck. Thanks to Frank H. on Nassau Lane for these pics!
8 footer behind a house on Marathon
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This one was spotted numerous times in the River at Key Largo Lane. Estimated to be ten feet long. Thanks to Jackie Z. on Key Largo for these pics!
New River at Key Largo Lane, July 14, 2013
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Same Alligator, Close-up
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Alligator Update AUGUST 23, 2013:
MANY RECENT SIGHTINGS THIS SUMMER
At the LICIA General Meeting on August 15, several neighbors reported recent alligator sightings, including the ones in the above pictures. Note that the gator in the top pictures was seen as recently as Thursday, August 22.
From a conversation on August 10 with Kevin Garvey, the state-authorized alligator trapper for our area: The FWC received two calls in the past two months for alligators in Lauderdale Isles. Both calls were for 5-footers (possibly the same gator) on different dates. They were spotted in the Turtle canal between Tortugas and Whale Harbor Lanes, and the Sailfish Canal between Sugarloaf and Tortugas Lanes. By the time Kevin arrived, the gators were gone from those locations.
One of the difficulties for the trapper is the fact that our canals have many docks and boats that a gator can sit under, out of sight. And unless the gator has found dinner, or is in the mood for a nap, it doesn't stay in the same place very long.
To save time, we can now call the trapper directly:
In order to have the best chance to catch any gators in our canals, Kevin asks that we call him directly if a gator is spotted at (954)-647-0811. This way, he gets the call without any delay and can respond asap.
If you prefer, you can still call the FWC Nuisance Alligator number
1-866-FWC-GATOR,
and they will dispatch the trapper (Kevin) to take care of it.
(After calling them, please email LIWMD on our contact page so we can put an alert on this site)
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Alligator Facts for Lauderdale Isles
We don’t want to alarm you, but we want you to be aware of this situation:
Over the years, there have been occasional sightings of alligators in the canals in Lauderdale Isles. However, most people who have lived here for 10-20 years or more have never seen one. In summer/fall of 2012, however, there were numerous sightings and it seems like we may now have an alligator problem. Alligators are territorial, and once they have found an area with an easy food source (like Muscovy Ducks), they are going to stick around. They are dangerous to both people and pets. For everything you wanted to know about alligators, take a look at this link SNAP.
You should report any alligators to the Florida Nuisance Alligator number- see below.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE AN ALLIGATOR IN MY CANAL?
Call the Florida STATEWIDE NUISANCE ALLIGATOR NUMBER: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286)
The operator will ask you a series of questions, some of which follow, along with suggested answers:
- Will you allow a licensed trapper on your property in order to catch the alligator? YES
- Do you perceive the alligator as a threat to people, pets, or property? YES
- Do you understand that the alligator will not be relocated out to the Everglades(ie, the trapper
“dispatch” it) YES
- Do you know if anyone has been feeding it? NO
- Does the trapper need permission from a Homeowner’s Association to enter the property? NO
The operator will then give you a reference number and tell you that the trapper will contact you within 24 hours. You will also be told that if you do not hear from the trapper in 24 hours, you can call back and they will give you his name and number so that you can contact him directly. (Note: the trapper typically responds to your call within 1-2 hours).
More than likely, the alligator will be gone when the trapper arrives. But he will then leave a bait for the gator, and ask you to call him right away if you see the gator again. The trapper for our area has been trapping alligators in Broward county for 16 years, and in all likelihood, he WILL eventually catch the gator.
IS IT OK TO FEED AN ALLIGATOR?
It is a second degree misdemeanor to feed an alligator, punishable by 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. And importantly,: when fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. If you see one of your neighbors feeding an alligator, try mailing him a copy of this: FLYER
WHAT DO THESE ALLIGATORS EAT?
In our area, their primary food source is birds, like Muscovy ducks. They also eat small mammals like raccoons and occasionally, snakes. Remember, from a gator’s perspective underwater, your dog or cat walking on the seawall looks like dinner.
ALLIGATORS IN OUR CANALS USED TO BE A VERY RARE OCCURRENCE. WHY ARE WE SEEING THEM NOW?
In conversations with state biologists and alligator trappers, some possible reasons are: the excessive amount of water flowing out of the Everglades last year due our unprecedented rainfall; alligators are territorial, and with their population increasing, are being forced to find new territory by older, larger gators; the invasive pythons in the Everglades are competing for the same food sources(birds, small mammals).
WHAT ABOUT THE EPISODE OF “GATOR BOYS” THAT WAS FILMED IN THE ISLES?
In February of 2012, the Gator Boys (on the Animal Planet Channel) responded to an alligator complaint in the Dolphin Canal, behind a house on Key Largo Lane. They captured an 8 footer. The episode was season 1, episode 5, at about 42 minutes into the show. These episodes are frequently repeated on the Animal Planet channel. Set your DVR accordingly. Note: The Gator Boys are back working in Broward County with the state-authorized Alligator Trapper.
CAN AN ALLIGATOR CLIMB ONTO MY DOCK?
Take a look of this picture at the bottom of this page, taken Oct 15th, 2012: Once he’s on the dock, it appears he could conceivably climb up steps or the embankment of your yard. By propelling themselves with their tails, alligators can jump over three feet out of the water!
CAN I CATCH/KILL AN ALLIGATOR MYSELF?
Nope. (If you do so, send us a postcard from the Broward County Jail.)
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO ABOUT OUR APPARENT ALLIGATOR PROBLEM?
Make sure your neighbors know about this situation. Refer them to this website. Ask anyone you see feeding alligators to STOP. Most importantly, if you see an alligator in your canal, call the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program and report it. Our canals are not an appropriate environment for alligators. And make sure you warn any dock contractors or boat-cleaning divers about the situation.
Alligator Update AUGUST 23, 2013:
MANY RECENT SIGHTINGS THIS SUMMER
At the LICIA General Meeting on August 15, several neighbors reported recent alligator sightings, including the ones in the above pictures. Note that the gator in the top pictures was seen as recently as Thursday, August 22.
From a conversation on August 10 with Kevin Garvey, the state-authorized alligator trapper for our area: The FWC received two calls in the past two months for alligators in Lauderdale Isles. Both calls were for 5-footers (possibly the same gator) on different dates. They were spotted in the Turtle canal between Tortugas and Whale Harbor Lanes, and the Sailfish Canal between Sugarloaf and Tortugas Lanes. By the time Kevin arrived, the gators were gone from those locations.
One of the difficulties for the trapper is the fact that our canals have many docks and boats that a gator can sit under, out of sight. And unless the gator has found dinner, or is in the mood for a nap, it doesn't stay in the same place very long.
To save time, we can now call the trapper directly:
In order to have the best chance to catch any gators in our canals, Kevin asks that we call him directly if a gator is spotted at (954)-647-0811. This way, he gets the call without any delay and can respond asap.
If you prefer, you can still call the FWC Nuisance Alligator number
1-866-FWC-GATOR,
and they will dispatch the trapper (Kevin) to take care of it.
(After calling them, please email LIWMD on our contact page so we can put an alert on this site)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Facts for Lauderdale Isles
We don’t want to alarm you, but we want you to be aware of this situation:
Over the years, there have been occasional sightings of alligators in the canals in Lauderdale Isles. However, most people who have lived here for 10-20 years or more have never seen one. In summer/fall of 2012, however, there were numerous sightings and it seems like we may now have an alligator problem. Alligators are territorial, and once they have found an area with an easy food source (like Muscovy Ducks), they are going to stick around. They are dangerous to both people and pets. For everything you wanted to know about alligators, take a look at this link SNAP.
You should report any alligators to the Florida Nuisance Alligator number- see below.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE AN ALLIGATOR IN MY CANAL?
Call the Florida STATEWIDE NUISANCE ALLIGATOR NUMBER: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286)
The operator will ask you a series of questions, some of which follow, along with suggested answers:
- Will you allow a licensed trapper on your property in order to catch the alligator? YES
- Do you perceive the alligator as a threat to people, pets, or property? YES
- Do you understand that the alligator will not be relocated out to the Everglades(ie, the trapper
“dispatch” it) YES
- Do you know if anyone has been feeding it? NO
- Does the trapper need permission from a Homeowner’s Association to enter the property? NO
The operator will then give you a reference number and tell you that the trapper will contact you within 24 hours. You will also be told that if you do not hear from the trapper in 24 hours, you can call back and they will give you his name and number so that you can contact him directly. (Note: the trapper typically responds to your call within 1-2 hours).
More than likely, the alligator will be gone when the trapper arrives. But he will then leave a bait for the gator, and ask you to call him right away if you see the gator again. The trapper for our area has been trapping alligators in Broward county for 16 years, and in all likelihood, he WILL eventually catch the gator.
IS IT OK TO FEED AN ALLIGATOR?
It is a second degree misdemeanor to feed an alligator, punishable by 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. And importantly,: when fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. If you see one of your neighbors feeding an alligator, try mailing him a copy of this: FLYER
WHAT DO THESE ALLIGATORS EAT?
In our area, their primary food source is birds, like Muscovy ducks. They also eat small mammals like raccoons and occasionally, snakes. Remember, from a gator’s perspective underwater, your dog or cat walking on the seawall looks like dinner.
ALLIGATORS IN OUR CANALS USED TO BE A VERY RARE OCCURRENCE. WHY ARE WE SEEING THEM NOW?
In conversations with state biologists and alligator trappers, some possible reasons are: the excessive amount of water flowing out of the Everglades last year due our unprecedented rainfall; alligators are territorial, and with their population increasing, are being forced to find new territory by older, larger gators; the invasive pythons in the Everglades are competing for the same food sources(birds, small mammals).
WHAT ABOUT THE EPISODE OF “GATOR BOYS” THAT WAS FILMED IN THE ISLES?
In February of 2012, the Gator Boys (on the Animal Planet Channel) responded to an alligator complaint in the Dolphin Canal, behind a house on Key Largo Lane. They captured an 8 footer. The episode was season 1, episode 5, at about 42 minutes into the show. These episodes are frequently repeated on the Animal Planet channel. Set your DVR accordingly. Note: The Gator Boys are back working in Broward County with the state-authorized Alligator Trapper.
CAN AN ALLIGATOR CLIMB ONTO MY DOCK?
Take a look of this picture at the bottom of this page, taken Oct 15th, 2012: Once he’s on the dock, it appears he could conceivably climb up steps or the embankment of your yard. By propelling themselves with their tails, alligators can jump over three feet out of the water!
CAN I CATCH/KILL AN ALLIGATOR MYSELF?
Nope. (If you do so, send us a postcard from the Broward County Jail.)
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO ABOUT OUR APPARENT ALLIGATOR PROBLEM?
Make sure your neighbors know about this situation. Refer them to this website. Ask anyone you see feeding alligators to STOP. Most importantly, if you see an alligator in your canal, call the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program and report it. Our canals are not an appropriate environment for alligators. And make sure you warn any dock contractors or boat-cleaning divers about the situation.
Oct. 15th, 2012, 7 footer, on dock, Cobia Canal between Flamingo & Gulfstream Lanes
About 20 feet off the dock, no fear of people. Apparently waiting for someone to throw food to him
Here's the bait left by the trapper the next day.(Fresh pig's lungs!)