FWC charges Collier airboat captains with feeding alligators, raccoons
News Release
February 22, 2011
Two Collier County airboat captains found out that feeding alligators and other wildlife doesn't pay. It's also illegal.
Working undercover on Friday, Feb. 17, FWC investigators posed as tourists on airboat tours operated by Everglades Island Boat Tours in Everglades City. Investigators watched as two airboat captains on separate airboats fed marshmallows to alligators and raccoons.
Graham M. Potter (DOB 10/20/53) of Copeland was charged with feeding raccoons, a misdemeanor. Randal T. Daniels (DOB 10/28/38) of Chokoloskee was charged with feeding alligators, also a misdemeanor.
"These men were sending tourists and visitors the wrong message about feeding and touching our wildlife," said FWC Lt. Ron Sacco. "When alligators and other wildlife are fed, they can overcome their natural fear of people, and it's more likely they will become a nuisance and have to be destroyed. That's why it's against the law."
To report any wildlife law violation, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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