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Brevard County, Fla. – A Florida man is facing serious charges after state officials say he illegally killed 13 American alligators along the St. Johns River.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), investigators identified Jacob Latreille as the individual responsible for killing the gators over the course of several days near the Hatbill Park Boat Ramp.
Protected Species
American alligators are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, listed as “threatened due to similarity of appearance” to the endangered American crocodile. This classification means strict regulations are in place for when, how, and by whom they can be legally killed or trapped.
FWC rules allow for the removal of alligators only under specific circumstances—such as by licensed trappers, hunters during authorized seasons, or individuals holding a nuisance alligator permit issued by FWC. Latreille did not meet any of those criteria, officials said.
Legal Consequences
Illegally killing an American alligator in Florida is classified as a third-degree felony, which carries penalties of up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and potential loss of hunting and fishing privileges.
FWC officials emphasized that cases like this undermine years of conservation work that has allowed Florida’s alligator population to recover from near extinction in the mid-20th century.
Ongoing Investigation
It is unclear what motivated the killings or how Latreille was ultimately identified by wildlife officers. FWC said additional details may be released as the case progresses.
Anyone with information about wildlife violations can report them anonymously to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
