Is it legal to have a pet alligator?

Originally Posted by Unregistered Dear person above: You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. For one, pet alligators really only need earthworms, crickets, waxworms...ect. They grow according to their surroundings, so won't end up a 200lb beast. As long as it is given a suitable tank of atleast 50lb capability, about 60% humidity, water (half-tanks are ideal), cooling pads, heated sunning areas, and plenty of places to hide to avoid stress, these pets can be very happy. With the right ownership, of course. So to assume any owner is moronic to keep an alligator is moronic in your own way. Maybe you should do a simple google before you go off on a topic you know nothing of?

I'm sorry but I really had to laugh at your opening statement that another poster had "no idea" what they were talking about, and then went on to immediately list the things alligators "really only need" to eat. Clearly, you are not an expert on reptiles - particularly alligators. Birds may need the pitiful food source requirement you list, but an alligator cannot survive on such a pitiful diet.

Because alligators will feed on almost anything, they pose a mild threat to humans. Using the word mild is putting it mildly.

Alligators do not "grow according to their surroundings". They grow to their genetic size regardless. In addition, they typically live to about the age of 50. Care to take bets you'll outlive your "pet" alligator?

You claim it is "moronic to assume any owner is moronic" for wishing to endanger his/her life and the lives of others by owning a "pet" alligator. Alligators are not "pets". Cats and dogs may have the capacity to bond with humans, but alligators do not. They are cold blooded reptiles and they belong in nature. They do not belong in a home with human beings (especially homes with children)

So perhaps it's you who needs a little google research before spouting off on a topic you have made abundantly evident you know absolutely nothing about.

Originally Posted by Friend In Court WHY would anyone want to keep an alligator? They are hard to cuddle with. Cold, not warm and snuggly. When they affectionately give one a nip, you can lose your fingers, hand or arm. They eat your other pets like cats and dogs. Florida has an abundance of 3-leggged dogs who escaped losing the rest of their anatomy. Their appetite grows as they do so crickets and earthworms the alligator might take as an insult -- not even an appetizer. And take off one's hand instead for a more fulfilling entree. Dogs wag their tails when they are happy. When an alligator wags its tail it can knock you off your feet or give you a concussion. If the neighbors find out, animal control will come take your alligator away, no matter how fond you are of your scaly, toothy pet and probably leave you a ticket with a big fine and/or a court date. There are more satisfying, less troublesome pets.

That part about alligator tails and getting a concussion struck me as funny. On a more serious note, an alligator strike of the tail has proven quite deadly in nature.

Anyone who defends a person's mentality who believes alligators would make good pets deserves the title of moron, don't you agree? LOL.

[gator boy]

I have lived around and studied gators my whole life and what you said is wrong!!!!!!!!! an alligator will not only grow according to its surroundings... it will out grow its' tank or pond if you keep it fed right it will keep growing or just starve if you do not. An alligator is not a turtle it gets as big as it wants and you can not change that no matter how small the surrounding is.