As summer nears, countless Americans are relishing the charm of a vacation at Walt Disney World, while security measures ramp up and officials work to remove numerous alligators from the area.
It was a decade ago when Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) workers took out over 400 alligators from the Disney Resort in Orlando following a tragic incident where a child was killed by one.
Since that heartbreaking event, about 414 alligators have been removed, as reported by Today’s WDW News, a leading source on Disney Parks updates.
FWC trappers are authorized to remove alligators over 4 feet long if they are seen as a threat to people, pets, or property.
Typically, smaller alligators aren’t a danger unless handled; however, trying to manage them is not just illegal but also inadvisable, since bites can lead to significant injury or infection.
Trappers avoid relocating alligators because they tend to return to their original locations.
Besides capturing many alligators, Disney has also enhanced safety with fencing and other measures to deter these reptiles from getting near guests.
Safety features now include fences, rock barriers, and warning signs dotting the waterfront spots.
Given the natural behaviors of these reptiles, establishing new crocodiles in areas where they migrate could unsettle local populations and spark conflicts.
Fortunately, Florida boasts a robust crocodile population estimated at around 1.3 million across 67 counties, so removing a few problematic ones won’t significantly impact the species.
The FWC maintains a collaborative effort with Disney to ensure the highest level of safety and to avert any unnecessary tragedies.
