Nearly 12-Foot Gator Wandered Port Manatee Friday

MANATEE COUNTY, FL – A nearly 12-foot gator estimated to be more than 40 years old was found wandering around Port Manatee Friday.

The gator was safely removed from South Dock Street by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and relocated, Port Manatee said.

This is the time of year when gators are more active, as their mating season takes place in May and June, according to the FWC website. By late June or early July, female gators build their nest and lay, on average, between 32 and 46 eggs. They hatch from mid-August through early September.

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Those with concerns about alligators should call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286 and the agency will send out a contracted nuisance alligator trapper.