Alligator Caught in Salt Water Off Sharky’s Pier

Published by Fleet Tilden, Esq. at September 10, 2014

Venice, Florida — Yes, alligators do swim in salt water. Sharky’s Pier in Venice, Florida is a hot spot for fishing in Southwest Florida. When someone announced seeing a 10 foot alligator swimming near the pier, people gathered to view the unusual sighting. As the alligator swam closer, fishermen jumped into action to try to catch creature. According to one of the witnesses, it appeared as though the fishermen had some kind of shark fishing equipment that ultimately led to landing the animal on the beach.

Law enforcement arrived and eventually the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trapped it. “It is not uncommon for alligators to use salt water to transit from freshwater bodies of water,” said FWC Officer Baryl Martin.

In case anyone else has this same bright idea, “It is illegal for anyone to harass, or trap an alligator in Florida,” said Martin. The FWC is investigating what happened and why the fishermen chose to trap the giant alligator. Alligators that the FWC traps that are over four-feet long are typically euthanized and not released back into their habitats. That is a commission policy. The penalty for harassing or trapping an alligator without legal permits is $500 and or 60 days in jail. Click here to learn more information about Florida laws pertaining to endangered species.

Fleet Tilden, Esq.

Beginning in 1923, attorney John Tilden, Esq. established his law practice in Downtown Orlando with a full service law firm serving Central Florida residents. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, attorney N. Fleetwood Tilden, Esq. began his Central Florida law practice after graduating from law school in 1993. After a career as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting Central Florida criminal cases, the Law Office of Tilden Law was established. Practicing exclusively Criminal Defense, Mr. Tilden has handled over 5,000 criminal cases.