Alligator Killed 50-Pound Pit Bull On College Campus

An alligator killed a 50-pound pit bull on a university campus in Florida on the night of March 9.

At roughly 7:45 p.m. an individual known as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee (FWC) to report a pit bull was taken by an alligator on the State School of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota in Venice campus. FWC confirmed the canine was a 50-pound pit bull.

A nuisance alligator trapper was additionally known as to the scene and eliminated two alligators from the world. One gator measured 6’9″ and the opposite measured 7’10”, WBBH-TV reported.

Alligators are opportunistic feeders and prey on simply accessible species resembling small mammals, birds, fish, and snakes, in accordance with FWC. Whereas the common feminine alligator can develop as much as 10 toes lengthy, the longest alligator in Florida state historical past was greater than 14 toes lengthy and the most important weighed 1,043 kilos.

However specialists say critical accidents brought on by unprovoked alligator assaults are “uncommon,” with the probabilities of a Florida resident being significantly injured from an unprovoked alligator assault being roughly 1 in 3.1 million. Since 1948, 28 individuals have died on account of an alligator assault.

Prior to now 10 years, Florida averaged eight unprovoked alligator bites a yr which resulted in accidents that required medical consideration.

Since pets usually resemble alligators’ most well-liked prey, FWC warns individuals to maintain their pets on quick leashes and much away from the water’s edge.

It is usually not beneficial for pets to swim or drink close to or in any contemporary our bodies of water together with designated swimming areas.

“Canines are extra inclined to being bitten than people as a result of canines resemble the pure prey of alligators,” the FWC stated. “The sound of canines barking and taking part in could draw an alligator to the world.”

Whereas assaults on people are a lot rarer, you will need to pay attention to one’s environment, particularly whereas swimming in brackish freshwater because the climate will get hotter.

FWC additionally warns individuals to solely swim throughout daylight as a result of alligators are typically most lively at nightfall and daybreak.

People who encounter an alligator and consider it could pose a risk to property, pets, or persons are inspired to contact the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1‐866‐FWC‐GATOR (392‐4286).

The Nuisance Alligator Program hires contracted alligator trappers round Florida to soundly take away alligators which are longer than 4 toes.

It’s unlawful to kill, harass, or feed alligators with out an applicable allow. If an alligator bites a human, the FWC recommends combating again whereas making as a lot noise as potential.

“Hitting or kicking the alligator or poking it in its eyes could trigger it to launch its grip,” FWC stated. “When alligators seize prey they can’t simply overpower, they may usually let go and retreat.”

Newsweek reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee however didn’t obtain a remark in time for publication.