how do you trap a 2 foot alligator?

Question

an alligator has recently moved into my pond. I would like to get it out and relocate without harming it

Answer 1

You need to call your state wildlife commission (the number is most likely inside the front page of your phone book) and let them know you have an alligator on your property.

They will determine if it warrants someone coming out to take care of your problem or not. (Different states have different criteria for "nuisance" alligators.)

Keep in mind, that after they hit 4 to 5 feet long, they are highly territorial, and are where they are for a reason. If it's a little guy, relocating it will give everyone a nice warm fuzzy feeling, but within the week, most likely it will be food for another, larger alligator.

Back in the '70's when Florida was just starting it's nuisance alligator program, they tried relocating adult alligators. They would tag or notch problem alligator's tails, move them up to 150 miles away. One of two things happens: a) they begin making their way back home, but decide someone else's yard is just as good as yours. or b) It takes them up to a month or so, but they end up right back where they started.

Also, keep in mind that although alligators do have strong immune systems, they can still get sick, an alligator from one area will develop immunities that another alligator somewhere else will lack. Moving alligators around increases the risk of illness not only for the alligator that is moved, but for the alligators in the surrounding areas that it is moved -to-.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE OR RELOCATE THIS ALLIGATOR ON YOUR OWN. Not only is it illegal, you could be severely injured. I've been the victim of a few small alligators, luckily nothing over 4 feet long. If that little gator were to get ahold of your hand, especially fingers, the least you should prepare for is losing a fingernail. Not only is bacterial infection possible, but fungal and viral infections as well. People have been known to survive being bitten by alligators just to die from infection from the bite.

Your state's alligator program has been tweaked and researched since it was started, there are reasons for everything they do in response to these animals. Either deal with it being in your pond, or let those who are QUALIFIED TO DO IT do what they have to do.

Edited to add......

Most likely, a two foot alligator will not be considered a nuisance (at least if you are in Florida). If you ARE in Florida, be thankful it's just a two footer, and hope the big ones stay away. A two footer is NOT a threat to pets or children or adults unless someone is trying to catch it....... It will not attack you, and unless you are fishing or feeding other wildlife, should not even approach you.

Don't try to discourage the alligator from coming around by throwing things at it (or as in one case, shooting a pellet gun at it, they just ended up with a blind 9 foot alligator in their neighborhood, didn't make it scared or anything.)

At this size, alligators are eating frogs, mice, insects, and other small vermin. I think this is a perfect opportunity to learn to appreciate one of the oldest species alive. These animals have been around in larger forms since before dinosaurs. They're perfectly adapted to their environment, and if nothing else, provide food for other animals. 2 feet long, a hawk, osprey, eagle, or large owl can eat them. Large otters, other alligators, snapping turtles, even big fish.

Are there other bodies of water around you that have dried up? I know most of Florida is under drought conditions (don't know if that's where you are). If where he was living before had dried up, he's probably only in your pond because there's water there. (a lot of gators are being squeezed like this right now, again, be thankful it's just a little guy.) If I were you, and this is the case and he's this small, I'd at least wait until the water level comes up a little bit in your area before doing anything, give him a chance to move off on his own.

Answer 2

No. Alligators want daylight with a view to control their frame temperature and digest their meals, so although they theoretically had been within the sewer for one of the crucial day, they might have got to pop out and bask within the solar for the the rest of it. Also, the ordinary alligator has been identified to soak for as much as eighty% of the day, if this had been the case for a 'sewer gator' the pollution observed within the sewer might most likely kill it in a quite brief period of time. So, to sum it up, there may be an excessive amount of air pollution and now not sufficient solar within the sewers and as a consequence, they can not aid a gator populace.

Answer 3

I would suggest keeping any pets you might have away, telling your neighbors, and then calling your local animal control office. I wouldn' want to get into legal rouble for hurting an aliggater, or for catching one without a permit. Besides being dangerous, you could hurt it badly ifyou don't know what your doing. I'de call the state animal control. It's what they're there for...

If you're legally allowed, and do try catching it, when its mouth is closed, duct tape it shut and put its head in a moist burlap bag.

Answer 4

Alligators are not as endangered as they were in the '70's but are still regulated and some states like to collect lots of money for "molesting" alligators.
I would suggest that you contact the local fish and game commission (game warden) and have them come and remove it.

Answer 5

You have to get a noose around its neck (be careful not to choke it and have some other people with you to help you or just in case.) Then duck tape its mouth shut. Or to have it easier on both of you call animal control and have them relocate it for you. Hope I helped.

Answer 6

Steven,
I may be 13 and a girl, but i know how to catch all sorts of reptiles. Simply buy a rodent trapping cage ( a giant one) and put some raw beef in it. Set the trap and wait. check on it every day. Or, Go Steve Irwin and when you catch it just say "CROIKY!!!" lol. see ya
AJ

Answer 7

Call your state's Parks and Wildlife Department. They should be able to help you.

Answer 8

i would agree with the other people and say call your animal control or welfare center. they will know what to do and will most likley relocate it.

Answer 9

call the zoo or call the animal society or look up something in your local yellow book

Answer 10

Call animal or wildlife services. They know what to do and how to do it.