September 24, 2023
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida wildlife officials killed a 13-foot alligator on Tuesday after the reptile was reportedly seen carrying a human body.
The alligator was found in a canal near Tampa, Florida, and was shot and killed by wildlife officials. The human body has not yet been identified.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a statement that it received a call about the alligator on Tuesday morning. The caller said they had seen the alligator carrying a human body in the canal.
FWC officers responded to the scene and located the alligator. The officers shot and killed the alligator and recovered the human body.
The FWC is investigating the incident and is working to identify the human body.
Alligators and Humans
Table of Contents
Alligators are native to Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States. They are apex predators and play an important role in the ecosystem.
However, alligators can also be dangerous to humans. Alligator attacks are rare, but they do happen.
The FWC advises people to stay at least 15 feet away from alligators and to never feed them.
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips from the FWC:
- Stay at least 15 feet away from alligators.
- Never feed alligators.
- Be aware of your surroundings when near water.
- Keep pets away from alligators.
- If you see an alligator, report it to the FWC.
What to do if you see an alligator
If you see an alligator, stay calm and do not approach it. Slowly back away from the alligator and keep an eye on it. If the alligator starts to move towards you, run away and call 911.
Conclusion
Alligator attacks are rare, but they do happen. It is important to be aware of your surroundings when near water and to take precautions to stay safe.