Prize of Labor Day Weekend Gator Hunt On Display Tied to SUV On I-95 in Brevard County

'YOU DON'T SEE THAT EVERYDAY'

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – In a “you don’t see that everyday” moment, the prize of a successful Labor Day weekend gator hunt was on display tied to the back of an SUV traveling on Interstate 95 just south of Melbourne on Saturday.

Karen Kress’ image, which can be seen above, was picked up by the media, including ClickOrlando.com.

It was unclear from the image if the gator, which appeared to be about 7 feet feet long, was alive or dead.

Alligator hunting season in Florida began on Aug. 15 and requires a Statewide Alligator Hunt Permit, which is a type of limited entry permit required to participate in the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program.

The Statewide Alligator Hunt is a highly sought after limited entry hunt; there are often more than 15,000 applicants that will apply for approximately 7,000 permits.

Alligator conservation is a success story in Florida. The alligator population in this state is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size and has been stable for many years.  The FWC established an annual statewide recreational alligator harvest opportunity in 1988 that has been recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource.

In addition to providing permit holders with a much desired opportunity to experience alligator hunting in Florida, alligator meat is a delicious and healthy choice. In addition, the hide can be tanned and made into leather products.

Each year, alligator management units are established with harvest quotas that provide recreational opportunities and maintain alligator populations at targeted levels. Recreational hunting is just one part of the FWC’s overall approach to managing the alligator population.

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