Flagler officials warn against feeding animals after a photo shows children feeding alligators

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County officials are warning against feeding alligators and other wildlife after a social media post showed children feeding an alligator in Wadsworth Park.

Citing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, the county said feeding wildlife “can reduce their fear of humans,” which could cause them to become aggressive.

The FWC also said some cases of feeding wildlife are illegal in Florida. Those species include bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, alligators, crocodiles, cranes and wild monkeys.

A provincial ordinance prohibits the feeding of wild animals on public land.

On May 7, a Flagler Beach resident contacted the county after seeing a social media post of children feeding an alligator.

“The real problem is that people feel safe on the boardwalk over the pond, but most of the pond is open and accessible to people walking in Wadsworth Park,” said Michael Lagasse, deputy director of General Services. “People are naturally attracted to water features. We don’t want them approaching the pond and getting into an unwanted, potentially dangerous interaction.”

Flagler County Parks and Recreation staff installed additional alligator warning signs on Wednesday.

Lagasse said he went to Wadsworth Park and the five-foot alligator swam toward him. He said it is likely a result of “food conditioning” and is unlikely to leave the area on its own.

Citing the National Park Service website, the county said conditioning food could make animals sick or lead to other serious consequences.

Seeing alligators in Wadsworth Park is common, as three visible reviews on Tripadvisor about the park mention the alligators.

One review, titled “Ollie the alligator!” said in part, “I saw the alligator!” So much fun. He was hanging back and forth right in front of us…’

For public safety reasons, a licensed trapper will remove the alligator from the Wadsworth Park pond.

“Flagler County residents know that wildlife and natural areas are an important part of our way of life here,” Lagasse said. “Most of us are aware that we need to give wildlife space. If we don’t do this, animals could become dangerous to people and pose a safety risk to the rest of the public.”