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State seeks comments on alligator programs
By DINAH VOYLES PULVER
Staff Writer



Managing alligators in Florida has always been an interesting issue for state wildlife officials.

It has become even more challenging in recent years, as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has seen an increase in the number of conflicts between humans and alligators.

This month, the commission is conducting an online survey to allow Floridians to weigh in on management of the state's most famous reptiles. Their population is estimated at more than a million.

State officials say the survey results will be used as the commission evaluates potential changes to the state's alligator programs, such as the public hunts conducted each fall. Participants also can weigh in on public education and safety and the commercial harvest of alligators, said Harry Dutton, coordinator of the state's alligator management program.

"The program hasn't had a comprehensive review since its inception in 1988," Dutton said. "There might be room for changes. And we know a lot more about alligator management than we did 20 years ago."

The deadline for participating is 5 p.m. Friday. To participate, go to www.MyFWC.com/gators/input.html.

The information will be reported to the agency's seven-member commission at a December meeting in Key Largo. Any changes to the program will be presented in a series of public meetings.