Investigators seek info on dead gators
State officials are asking for the public’s assistance in tracking down information on two alligator carcasses found in a Cape Coral canal.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified on Tuesday about the carcasses, which were dumped in the area of Southwest 20th Avenue and Southwest 25th Street, according to a police report.
The carcasses were each missing their head and tail.
“This is not all that uncommon,” Gary Morse, a spokesman for the FWC, said Friday. “We find people poaching alligators or disposing of them illegally.”
Due to the watery dump site, there was little evidence left behind.
“There’s not much we can do,” he said.
So officials are asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information on the alligators is asked to contact the FWC tipline at (888)404-3922.
“People can remain anonymous if they wish,” Morse said.
Upon a conviction, tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
“You can hunt them – there is a season, but you must apply for a permit,” he said. “There’s a tagging system that goes along with it.”
Killing an alligator can be a third-degree felony.
“You could be subject to significant jail time, fines and loss of privileges, specifically your right to own or possess a firearm,” Morse said.
At 2:44 p.m. Tuesday, Cape police responded to a report of two alligator carcasses dumped in a canal. A man reported that his son was walking near the area when he noticed a “very strong foul smell,” the report states.
The man said his son walked closer to the canal on the south side of Southwest 25th Street and noticed one carcass without a head or tail.
Officers inspected the area and observed the carcass, as well as a second one floating on the east side of the canal. It also was missing a head and tail.
Anyone with information can also call the CCPD at 574-3223, or submit a tip by texting “CCPD” plus the message to CRIMES or at: www.capecops.com.