Wanted: Skilled alligator hunters
Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking for a few good men, or women.
As long as you don't mind sharp teeth, the state has a job for you: trapping those pesky alligators that occasionally wander into South Florida neighborhoods.
Andy Riffle wrestles alligators at Everglades Holiday Park and thinks the successful applicant must have certain skills.
"You need to be able to work around the alligator, be able to read the alligator, pretty much know his next move before he does it," Riffle said.
Catching errant alligators may not seem like glamorous work, but it's actually a coveted position. There are only 32 licensed trappers in the state. Alligators are a protected species, so you need a permit to take them. The state relies on a relatively brave few to nab the ones that go astray.
"Because we can't sent an officer to every alligator nuisance call that we get -- we get thousands of calls each year," said Jorge Pino, spokesman for the FWC.
He said right now, the FWC needs two trappers, one to cover Palm Beach County and another to cover Martin County. The requirements are no criminal record, no fish or wildlife violations and a valid email address, and you have to live in the county you want keep gator-free.
"They do not get paid by the state. They get to keep the alligator. They can sell the meat and hide, and that's how they make their money," Pino said.
Applications must be received by Dec. 15. For more information on the requirements or to apply online, click here or email FWCGator@MyFWC.com.
