Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Alligator in pond

I have a 1/2 acre pond in SW Florida just stocked with Blue Gills, Large mouth bass and grass carp. I just saw a 4 ft alligator. Our two resident ducks have disappeared in the last 2 weeks. Should the alligator be removed?

My "alligators in ponds" expertise from Kansas is ranked an absolute 0.

However, I believe alligators will eat every single type of "meat" they can catch. It may take him some time to catch fast-swimming fish like your bass and carp, but he will try.

Alligators are ambush predators (like your LM Bass). I believe he will eventually get lucky and catch some of your stocked fish.

Any chance your wife asked for an alligator-skin purse for her birthday this year?

Good luck on ridding your pond of its current top predator! You and your family should be the "top predator" of the fish population of your pond as the BG/LMB fishery matures.

We do have several Florida pond owners in the forum. Hopefully, you can get an actual "expert" opinion from them.

Get rid of the gator before someone gets hurt.

I know if it were my lake I'd get that gator out of there, lol. They are sharks with legs.

Every time I have to deal with pests in the lake whether they be otters, muskrats, big snappers etc., I think about how I at least don't have to deal with alligators where I live. At least not yet. We do see some southern animals slowly inching their way northward that we used to not have around here but I think it will be awhile before alligators make their way this far north.

I would dispose of it ASAP. It will eat anything it can catch including pets.

SSS

I'd guess alligators in Florida ponds are like beavers in Oklahoma ponds. Take one out, another will move in!

So true TG ....

Vultures got to eat too! Get rid of it before it gets any larger. Just don't advertise it.

Hi DR bob! I'm in Plant City, my pond is in Ft Meade.

If i were you I'd delete this account, and never speak of that gator again..... Then make a new account and come back to chat about your pond!!!!!!!!


You need a license to kill a gator in Florida, even though we've got em everywhere and are overpopulated (imo). I have 3 regulars in my pond, two smallish and one BIG MAMA. I ignore them, and just dont throw my top waters when they are around (they WILL chase topwater baits all day).

Call FWC and see if theyll relocate it (sometimes they will, sometimes its fast).

If you are caught killing it without a license the fine is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Legally you can only kill it if it poses an immediate danger (not implied or preventative, not AFTER eats eaten a cow and left you cant revenge kill it etc).


Go on FB, find some local hunting groups, see if anyone is licensed and wants access to your property. Some people will try to charge you, if youre in a hurry you can go that route or you can be patient eventually a good ole boy will come get it.
I am doing this with wild hogs (no licensing issues there though).