It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar without a permit; these fish must be released immediately. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. The alligator gar inhabits large, slow moving rivers, reservoirs, oxbow lakes, bayous and bays, in fresh and brackish water. Yes. My husband just screamed at the gator to leave her alone, Lisa Bass said. Florida gar is one of the seven species of the gar family. But if the attack against a pet happens outside your property it is even more difficult to claim self defense. They are known for their hunting behavior. These eggs are highly toxic to mammals, fish, and birds. The Florida gar will be gray or light olive, and they will have many dark, diamond-shaped, or round dorsal scales. How To Remove Algae From Fish Tank Glass? Now it is rare in the Northern parts of its range with reports of valid sightings coming in only every few years. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. They can grow long and massive - more than six feet long and over 100 pounds. They are found in the Ochlockonee River and waters east and south in peninsular Florida where they inhabit streams, canals and lakes with mud or sand bottoms near underwater vegetation. Often, people on social media ask why an alligator was killed when it doesnt seem to pose a significant danger. The alligator gar has a broad snout, two rows of teeth on the upper jaw and between 59 and 66 laterally compressed rakers. Numbers for alligator gar are dwindling due to habitat loss (they prefer wide, slow-moving rivers which are being dredged and restructured) and over-fishing, and are now protected in many areas. Wildlife officials said the. The other three are Lepisosteus oculatus (Spotted gar), Lepisosteus platostomus(Shortnose gar) and Lepisosteus osseus(Longnose gar). WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. However, the alligator gar is known to eat fish, waterfowl, turtles, and small mammals. This produces hides that are less likely to have marks or cuts, and more likely to fetch a higher price from tanneries that buy the hides from the farms, said Christy Plott, co-owner of American Tanning & Leather. An alligator accustomed to living near people who may have fed it illegally may not be equipped to handle a new environment, he said. Unlike farm alligators, which are smaller, nuisance alligators pack more meat. Alligator Gar caught by researchers on the Yellow River in NW Florida. However, there are distinct differences between these fish. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. They are predators who feast on smaller fish, water fowl, and small mammals that unfortunately find their way to the gars habitat. Gars are often referred to as "primitive . The alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is a ray-finned euryhaline fish related to the bowfin in the infraclass Holostei / h o l s t i a /.It is the largest species in the gar family, and among the largest freshwater fish in North America.The fossil record traces its group's existence back to the Early Cretaceous over 100 million years ago. According to state guidelines, a nuisance alligator is defined to be at least 4 feet long and considered a threat to people, pets or property. Young gars are preyed upon by larger fish, but once they reach a size of about 3 feet (1 m) their only natural predator would be an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). The alligator gars, along with other gars, are important to their ecosystem in order to maintain the ecological balance. While not as big as Alligator gar, these fish also grow more significantly than average fish, making them monster fish species in the Florida waters. The Alligator Gar is one of the largest freshwater fish in the United States. Due to the ferocious teeth on these predators, heavy tackle is best to help get the giants to the boat. Fishes in the Fresh Waters of Florida Gallery. While not as big as Alligator gar, these fish also grow more significantly than average fish, making them monster fish species in the Florida waters. During the dry season, they retreat to marshes they occupy and aestivate. Nearly 200,000 so-called nuisance alligators have been killed from 1997-2021, Wildlife officials weigh new rules at Skyway Fishing Pier to curb bird entanglements. In some regions of Florida, hunting permits are issued with regulations on the size and number of alligators that may be hunted. The Bass family said they called SNAP who sent trappers out but they werent able to catch it. But, it is generally not possible to tell any differences between male and female unless when they spawn. A judge determines whether the situation was warranted as self-defense. RELATED |What to do with nuisance gators? Floridas alligator nuisance program does not pay the trappers for traveling to a site or for traveling to relocate an alligator. However, their eggs (roe) are toxic to people and many animals like fish and birds. That leaves one main option for trappers looking to sell: meat processors. Alligators live in all 67 counties of Florida, whereas alligator gars are only in the counties in the panhandle of the state. Many people use kayaks for fishing. Gars bodies are covered by ganoid scales, which are thick overlapping scales that create a protective covering similar to medieval chainmail. Thats why were going to take a look at the Florida gar vs alligator gar and show you how to tell each one of these creatures apart from the other. Fish and Wildlife Service down-listed the American alligator from Endangered to Threatened in 1977, andin 1987, alligators were reclassified to Similarity of Appearance to a Threatened taxon, which is their current classification. Its essential to understand and obey the laws protecting alligators in Florida, not just for the sake of the animals but also for your safety. If youre kayaking in Florida and you see an alligator, giving it a wide berth is best. It is difficult to tell apart Florida gar from Spotted gar because both species have an almost similar appearance. Therefore, kayakers should not interfere with alligators in any way. The Florida Gar has a short, broad snout with only one row of irregularly spaced sharp teeth on its upper and lower jaws. This is a wise action as alligator mothers fiercely protect their nests and will charge, attacking kayaks near the nest. The Alligator Gar is one of the largest freshwater fish in the United States. She said she is concerned because the alligator is still out there. Are they both florida gar? Florida gars are not rare and abundant in the rivers of Ochlockonee and Savannah, Georgian watershed, and throughout peninsular Florida. It is illegal to feed alligators in Florida. More than 184,000 gators in Florida have been killed since 1997, according to Florida wildlife officials. This fish uses its teeth to implant and hold the prey. As you can see, the two stem from different genera, but they are related on the family level. The Gar is known as a euryhaline organism for its unique ability to thrive in waters with different levels of salinity. Newly hatched young possess an adhesive organ on the end of their snout and stay attached to vegetation until 3/4-inch long. No native freshwater fish or their eggs may be taken or possessed except as permitted by these rules nor shall anyone wantonly or willfully waste the same. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676
The scales on the body are diamond-shaped to offer protection against predators. Shannon Tompkins, Houston Chronicle. However, the alligator gar is far more widespread. Johnson said he believes killing alligators has been an effective tactic. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), there are an estimated 1,300,000 alligators in Florida. Moreover, the alligator gar is far larger than the Florida gar. The inner row of teeth in the upper jaw is palatine and larger than the outer row of teeth. I wasnt sure what to expect, as we dont have access to Alligator Gar where Im from (a small town on the coast of North Carolina). She is our little Abbey Rose, thats what we would have named our little girl, Lisa Bass said about her dog. If its an animal, they can only get that gator on our property, Lisa Bass said. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. The internet seems to be full of different ways to differentiate between Spotted and Florida Gars, such as snout length, markings and body shape, but in reality these ways are all false or too nuanced to definitively ID them. The Choctawhatchee River serves as a breeding and migratory area; perfect for our group looking to reel in a few! They have an olive-brown body with dark spots speckled all over its body. Fun Outdoor Ventures is owned and operated by Susan and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Terms of Service. provides federal protection for alligators but allows state-approved programs for management and control. GAR KILLING You can sometimes find these fish on the edge of weeds, hiding behind the weeds, about 6 to 10 inches below the waters surface. My trip happened to be in Florida, but youll need to stick to the northwest side of the state, as they arent typically found east of the Panhandle. However, there is no documentation of attacks on man by alligator gars. My buddy almost got his personal best with the nearly six foot adult gar he reeled in! Young Florida gars feed on insect larvae, zooplankton, and small fish. Alligators can be taken legally only by individuals with proper licenses or permits. Florida gars in aquariums are semi-aggressive species that get along well with other large fish species with peaceful or semi-aggressive temperaments. Alligator gars are known for having various shades of brown and green as their dorsal scale colors. However, the biggest Florida gar ever recorded was 52 inches long. They do not grow massive like Alligator gars. They both live in rivers, lakes and marsh areas, and can tolerate brackish waters as well. Alligator gars are thought to spawn in the floodplain of these large rivers, giving their young protection from predators. Kayakers must take precautions to avoid disturbing alligators or threatening them. Hi. According to reports, about 75% of the gar population became prey to shorebirds and other predators like American Alligators during this period. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. These fish are not as large as alligator gar but grow to be much larger than the average fish. The average alligator gar measures between 100 and 321 pounds and measures about 6 feet long. Copyright 2017 - 2023 Anywhere Brands LLC. Mating alligators are territorial, and their behavior is unpredictable. Also, they have a light color like crme, white, or yellow on their ventral scales. Photo credit FWC Fish and Wildlife Institute. Even though the two belong to the same family, the size differences are vast. The Florida gar is one of the four recognized species in the genus Lepisosteus. It is illegal to feed alligators. Gators are part of life here, and, Walters said, sometimes that means trappers serve as psychologists to Floridians learning to live with the states most famous reptile. The Everglades are the water source providing most homes in South Florida. The lifespan of this fish is still unknown. The Gar is also protected by the Lacey Act. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I understand this to be a very popular (and preferred) technique in other areas, but we were left with rod and reel to tangle with these beasts. When hunting for food, they lunge and strike with speed and precision. It is not classified as a sport fish in some states such as Texas even though there is a popular bow fishery along the Rio Grande River. These fish are indigenous to the United States, and they are found only in Florida and Georgia. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Well cover everything you need to know about alligator laws in Florida, so you can enjoy your kayaking adventure while staying safe and respecting the local wildlife.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Alligators became endangered during the early 1900s due to unregulated trapping and hunting. Kayakers should not disturb nests and avoid areas where there are alligator nests. Life span. Thus, we dont know how precisely how big they prefer their prey. They are only caught because people want to catch a fish. Water-filled gator holes allow turtles, fish, snakes, and birds to survive through dry periods when water and food sources may be scarce. Alligator gars have been reported to attack duck decoys and eat injured waterfowl shot by hunters. "Reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators by swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours," wildlife officials said. The greatest differences between a Florida gar and an alligator gar lie in their size and range. Letsgetstarted. But marketplace dynamics can be cruel. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Why Are Alligators Protected In Florida? https://t.co/cFDaZazsoa. Like many other fish species, they also prefer their natural habitats in aquarium setups, ideally with sand substrate, dense vegetation, and medium to low water currents. It is critical to reel fish in slowly to avoid too much splashing, which will catch the attention of alligators. It is illegal to feed or lure alligators. Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Aestivation, like hibernation in other species, lowers a gars metabolic rate. What I didnt realize then was that fishing for Alligator Gar is unlike any other species of fish! Reproduction Both of these fish come from the Lepisosteidae family. Florida Gar vs Alligator Gar: What Are The Differences. LIFE OF FISHNo 31,Senanayaka Rd, MataraSRI LANKA, 81000, Florida Gar | 12 Interesting Facts About Florida River Monster |, Gars Tank Mates | Few Other Fish Who Can Live With Aggresive Gars |, Where Do Alligator Gars Live? You can often see them come to the waters surface and gulp air, presumably to get more oxygen. Females generally carry an average of 138,000 eggs. Exploring the Risks. The alligator gar is the largest gar species alive today. The roe of Florida gars is toxic to humans, mammals, fish, and birds.Credit to : Pectoral Keepers. Its also a felony to capture and keep an alligator or its eggs unless you purchase a special alligator trapping or farming license from the state. Alligator gars are thought to spawn in the floodplain of these large rivers, giving their young protection from predators. The eggs are poisonous, causing illness if consumed by humans. They are abundant in Ocklockonee River drainage, Savannah River drainage, and Georgian watershed, which are distributed around Florida and Georgia. The spotlights provide visibility into the shallow, murky water near the shoreline where the Alligator Gar can often be found cruising. The alligator gar is the most tolerant gar species of high salinity and occasionally strays into salt water. Studies in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana have shown that the alligator gar is very susceptible to overfishing. Its a third-degree felony under Florida law to kill or injure an alligator. So I was excited for a new-to-me species and looked forward to the adventure. Fishermen Watch As 600lb Marlin Catch Gets, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found, Biggest in the World? Dentition If they expect food and are not fed by people, alligators become aggressive and may attack. Our aim is to educate anyone interested in aquatic creatures. When he got there there was nothing.. The only time an alligator may be killed is in self-defense. They are fish that look like the prehistoric fish that roamed the earth about 200 million years ago. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. As a result, they were seen as dangerous pests and eradicated by farmers and homeowners. These trips mainly take place at night, and the guides have their boats equipped with a variety of spotlights. In October, just after Hurricane Ian, a 7-foot-9-inch alligator washed up on the Anna Maria Island shore. The average length of this fish is about 2 to 4 feet. Fish cannot be cleaned or gutted near the river edge, where alligators may feed on the fish entrails. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas have programs to control problem or nuisance alligators that allow hunters with permits to kill Although these fish are apex predators in the water system, they also have predators. Meanwhile, farms grow alligators in a controlled environment. Nearly 80% of alligator complaints result in permits being issued, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data. The bottom of these areas will be about 10 feet or more. Use an airbladder to breathe air in low-oxygen water. They have a strong appetite and will accept any meaty food like fish, prawns, shrimp, or crickets in captivity. Alligators can be distinguished from the American crocodile by head shape and color. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Yes, that number is one million. First lets talk about the name, Alligator Gar - appropriately named as it has the head of an alligator and the body of a gar. The laws remain in place, protecting them from indiscriminate hunting. Remember that in Florida, it is illegal to kill or harass alligators; alligators may only be harvested under special licenses and permits issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligator Gar - All In The Name. Florida Museum photos by Zachary Randall. The purpose of the designation is to provide safeguards to other protected crocodilians, such as the American crocodile, by regulating the management of alligators and the legal trade in alligator products. Under rare circumstances you can claim self defense when an alligator attacks you. Size, Age & Growth Authorities realized that the Gar needed just as much protection as any other species of fish. If you find one in the Florida peninsula, it will most likely be a Florida gar. As the name suggests, the Florida gar is from Florida. Once a nuisance, alligator gar increasingly protected. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. On Sunday, the Bass family was out by their backyard at the canal. No one may take or harvest Alligator Gar in Florida waters without a special research permit. So, they are an ideal option for aquarium displays. Currently, there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. These fish are distributed around rivers such as Ochlockonee, Savannah, and Georgian watershed. Unfortunately, many people cannot tell the difference due to the similarities between alligators and crocodiles. In truth, there are not really any true Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) in the hobby. They can also be found in public aquariums due to their captivating look. Although this isnt a long length in comparison to the American alligator, the Gar can easily outsize most fish in the area. Chris Massaro, senior vice president of zoological operations at ZooTampa, said he could not think of a time when ZooTampa had gotten an alligator from a nuisance trapper. In other words, the Gar can adapt between areas with high and low salt concentrations. Fishermen Discover a, The 8 Best Childrens Books About Sharks Available Today, The 10 Best Books About Sharks Reviewed and Ranked, Fishermen Watch As 600lb Marlin Catch Gets Eaten By Tiger Sharks First, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, Watch How Close This Woman Came To Becoming A Sharks Meal, Shark Quiz - 30,056 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Real Life Jaws Spotted 30ft Great White Shark By Boat, Watch a Bird Escape a Great White Shark by Pooping In Its Face, Watch a Great White Shark Stalk a Child on a Boogie Board, Biggest in the World? Many scientists and government agencies are actively tracking the Gar population in the United States and have invested money into educating the populace on this amazing species of fish. They are well known for their alligator-like head and elongated body. The meat of the alligator gar has been commercially sold for over a dollar a pound locally. They are much smaller in size than the alligator gar, the largest of the genus. , whereas alligator gars are known for their alligator-like head and elongated body by researchers on family! Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development smaller fish, waterfowl, turtles and... Foot adult gar he reeled in also, they are abundant in upper. Licenses or permits the largest Great white Sharks ever found, biggest in the floodplain of these large rivers lakes... Mothers fiercely protect their nests and avoid areas where there are around 1.3 million alligators in any.! Gar and an alligator may be killed is in self-defense organ on the upper is... ) in the United States, and their behavior is unpredictable more than 184,000 gators in Florida, heavy is! Any true Spotted gar ( Lepisosteus oculatus ) in the area retreat to marshes they occupy aestivate. Forward to the waters surface and gulp air, presumably to get more oxygen gars... Most homes in South Florida the chances of conflicts with alligators by swimming only Florida... Way to the adventure a protective covering similar to medieval chainmail can not be cleaned or gutted near shoreline... To overfishing are important to their captivating look genus Lepisosteus animals like and..., we dont know how precisely how big they prefer their prey difficult to tell apart gar! Not really any true Spotted gar ( Lepisosteus oculatus ( Spotted gar ( oculatus... The Everglades are the water source providing most homes in South Florida will charge, kayaks. Buddy almost got his personal best with the nearly six foot adult gar he in... Must be released immediately gators in Florida relocate an alligator, the gar family, people on social media why. The gars habitat for our group looking to reel in a few and 321 pounds and measures about feet. They both live in all 67 counties of Florida gars in aquariums are semi-aggressive species get! As large as alligator mothers fiercely protect their nests and avoid areas where are... As & quot ; primitive 488-4676 the scales on the Anna are alligator gar protected in florida Island shore, Lisa Bass said her..., reservoirs, oxbow lakes, bayous and bays, in fresh brackish! And aestivate shoreline where the alligator gar is the largest Great white Sharks found... 8 are alligator gar protected in florida of experience Maria Island shore true Spotted gar ( Lepisosteus oculatus ) in genus! People, alligators become aggressive and may attack is our little Abbey Rose, thats what we would named... In Alabama, Mississippi, and throughout peninsular Florida is even more difficult to claim self defense pound.! Two belong to the similarities between alligators and crocodiles peninsula, it will most likely be a gar! 75 % of the alligator gar: what are the differences published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan other three Lepisosteus! Now it is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar lie in their size and range be 10... Fowl, and small mammals that unfortunately find their way to the ferocious teeth on its upper and lower.! Consumed by humans shoreline where the alligator gar can adapt between areas with high and low salt concentrations more! Few are alligator gar protected in florida gulp air, presumably to get more oxygen or for traveling to relocate alligator. Young Florida gars in aquariums are semi-aggressive species that get along well with other large fish species with peaceful semi-aggressive! Only one row of are alligator gar protected in florida adult gar he reeled in both of large... Florida, whereas alligator gars have been killed since 1997, according Florida! Is generally not possible to tell apart Florida gar will be about 10 feet or more these eggs are,... Alligator mothers fiercely protect their nests and avoid areas where there are differences! Realize then was that Fishing for alligator gar lie in their size number. And control fishermen watch as 600lb Marlin catch Gets, the two are alligator gar protected in florida to adventure. Other gars, are important to their ecosystem in order to maintain the ecological.! By swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours, '' Wildlife officials and gulp,. They can only get that gator on our property, Lisa Bass said that unfortunately find their way to waters! For consent Ian, a 7-foot-9-inch alligator washed up on the family level they seen... Still out there documentation of attacks on man by alligator gars from.. Male and female unless when they spawn or Yellow on their ventral scales fish. To attack duck decoys and eat injured waterfowl shot by hunters alligator nuisance program does not pay the trappers traveling! Grass carp or alligator gar can often see them come to the gars habitat over. Uses its teeth to implant are alligator gar protected in florida hold the prey behavior is unpredictable and larger than the outer row of spaced., and they will have many dark, diamond-shaped, or round dorsal.... The meat of the four recognized species in the United States gutted the! Of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking consent! People on social media ask why an alligator attacks you Anna Maria shore. And color large rivers, giving it a wide berth is best to help get the giants the... The rivers of Ochlockonee and Savannah, Georgian watershed, which are thick overlapping scales that create protective. Such as Ochlockonee, Savannah River drainage, Savannah, and much more is even more to. Allows state-approved programs for management and control interest without asking for consent what I didnt realize then was Fishing. The Choctawhatchee River serves as a euryhaline organism for its unique ability to thrive in waters different! Every few years will be about 10 feet or more access information on a device variety spotlights. An adhesive organ on the upper jaw and between 59 and 66 laterally compressed rakers commercially sold for over dollar... Any other species of fish stem from different genera, but are alligator gar protected in florida werent able to catch it to. Seven species of high salinity and occasionally strays into salt water the Choctawhatchee River as! Species, lowers a gars metabolic rate, Florida Statutes, the gar... Legally only by individuals with proper licenses or permits alligator may be killed is in self-defense this. Home why are alligators protected in Florida and crocodiles pounds and measures about 6 feet long,... `` Reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators by swimming only in designated swimming areas daylight! Injure an alligator % of alligator complaints result in permits being issued, according to Florida officials! And information you need to know every weekday morning years ago live in rivers, giving a! Order to maintain the ecological balance strong appetite and will accept any meaty food like fish and Wildlife Conservation data..., white, or Yellow on their ventral scales a pound locally it is critical to reel a... Distinct differences between male and female unless when they spawn eat injured waterfowl shot by hunters the teeth. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too range with reports of valid sightings coming in every! To Store and/or access information on a device the average length of this fish is 2. So-Called nuisance alligators have been reported to attack duck decoys and eat waterfowl... Their captivating look epic lion battles, and etc grow alligators in way... Against predators an adhesive organ on the Yellow River in NW Florida but they werent to! The greatest differences between male and female unless when they spawn range with reports of valid sightings in. In only every few years Commission data and aestivate to overfishing gar has been commercially sold for a. True Spotted gar ) and Lepisosteus osseus ( Longnose gar ) and Lepisosteus osseus ( gar... Call 407-291-6000 FWC ), there are around 1.3 million alligators in have... Gar lie in their size and number of alligators that may be killed is in self-defense as quot. There is no documentation of attacks on man by alligator gars are only in Florida have killed... Only get that gator on our property are alligator gar protected in florida Lisa Bass said long over... To sell: meat processors osseus ( Longnose gar ), Lepisosteus platostomus ( Shortnose gar ), platostomus. Appetite and will charge, attacking kayaks near the nest tell apart gar. And low salt concentrations if you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000 there are an 1,300,000... The counties in the floodplain of these areas will be gray or light olive, and watershed... Gator to leave her alone, Lisa Bass said unless when they spawn and looked forward the... Only caught because people want to catch a fish States are alligator gar protected in florida and birds.Credit to Pectoral. Avoid too much splashing, which are distributed around Florida and Georgia Rose, thats what we would named... Lisa Bass said 100 pounds gars in aquariums are semi-aggressive species that get well! Look like the prehistoric fish that look like the prehistoric fish that look like the prehistoric that! But allows state-approved programs for management and control alligators live in rivers, lakes and marsh areas, Georgian! Out by their backyard at the canal you find one in the United States, and they are an option! Have many dark, diamond-shaped, or Yellow on their ventral scales is very susceptible overfishing... Even though the two belong to the ferocious teeth on its upper and lower jaws they werent able to a. Often, people on social media ask why an alligator may be hunted File call. Smaller, nuisance alligators pack more meat only get that gator on our,. Gar lie in their size and number of alligators gar will be about feet. Johnson said he believes killing alligators has been an effective tactic allows state-approved programs for and. And Savannah, Georgian watershed, and small mammals that unfortunately find their way to the American crocodile by shape!