The photo was posted to Facebook on Sunday by Karen Kress, who wrote: “Spotted on I-95 yesterday. I’m accepting suggested captions…obviously, this is in Floriduh.” The post has garnered over 200 likes and comments cracking jokes at the “poor” gator’s expense.
Per the photo, the gator was tied from snout to tail and didn’t appear to be thrashing or moving around, leading some Facebook commenters to believe the gator wasn’t real.
“Just to confirm, is that an actual real gator, or a pool float?” asked Erin McGirt Chantry.
Kress confirmed for NBC affiliate station WESH that the gator was, in fact, real, though it was likely dead.
“It was definitely real. Some blood around the base of the tail. I have to assume it was legally hunted,” she told the station.
Newsweek has reached out to Kress for further comment.
Alligator Hunting
According to Everglades Holiday Park, alligator hunting is legal in the state of Florida; however, it’s “not a free-for-all.” The hunting season runs from August 15 to November 1, and only licensed permit-holders may participate.
“Alligator hunting was established in 1988, due to the growing need for population control over the 1.3 million alligators in Florida,” the recreation park said. “Previously, alligators were on an endangered species list but made a huge rebound, becoming somewhat of a dangerous presence.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says more than 15,000 people apply to participate in the hunt each year, but only 7,000 applicants receive permits.
“Each successful statewide alligator hunt applicant will receive an Alligator Trapping License, an area-specific harvest permit, and two CITES tags, authorizing the holder to harvest two alligators,” said the FWC. “The harvest areas and hunt dates are specific for each permit, and the permit specifies the boundaries or limitations of the harvest area.”
Commenters React
Though alligator hunting was established with human safety in mind, some Facebook commenters couldn’t help but feel bad for the gator strapped to the SUV.
“Poor gator,” said Carlye Morgan.
“This is really sad to me. I’m just so sappy,” Betsy Murdock wrote.
Others, however, thought the photo was funny and used the opportunity to crack jokes.
“I told you alligator luggage would make a comeback!!” Angelo Rao exclaimed.
“Beware of tailgators!” Shirley Kandel joked.
More Gator Stories
An Alabama teen celebrated her 17th birthday this summer by hunting a 500-pound alligator, the head of which she intends to put on display in her bedroom.
Last week, a Florida alligator was hog-tied by police after it was found loitering outside of a Wendy’s restaurant.
And online commenters were left teary-eyed at the end of August after watching footage of a three-legged alligator wandering outside of a Florida Topgolf location.
