Alligator Poachers Arrested

Entry #15

4-2-12

Source: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/sep/17/2-arrested-after-36-poach-alligators-truck-glades/

        Two men were arrested after being pulled over in Moore Haven. When the deputy approached the vehicle he observed that 35 dead alligators were stacked in the truck bed. Upon further inspection, 19 alligator hatchlings were also found. The men were immediately taken into custody. As the article explains, American alligators are protected under state law. It is unlawful to kill, injure, capture or possess, or to attempt to kill, injure, capture or possess an American alligator without authorization from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The hatchlings were reintroduced to the wild. However, without a mother I imagine their rate of survival decreases greatly. In my opinion, these men deserve to serve time in jail. The American alligator is a keystone species and integral part of maintaining the proper homeostasis for life in southwest Florida. It is clear these men weren’t just hunting to live; they wanted to make a profit off a protected animal. This reminded me of the wading birds who were killed in grossly irresponsible numbers just to provide decoration for women’s hats. We must learn from this past mistake and try our best not to repeat it. If rampant poaching continues we may see the extinction of animals whose ecological impact will have a devastating ripple effect on the environment. I am glad these men were arrested to send a message to potential poachers about the seriousness of their crime.