Kayaker Finds Dismembered Alligator at Florida Park

A kayaker came across a disturbing sight near the edge of a lake in Martin County Thursday morning: a dismembered alligator.

Kino Velez says he found the mutilated gator, that was missing its head and tail, near a boat ramp at Hosford Park in Stuart.

According to WPTV, Velez said the reptile was most likely poached, and it’s not the first time he’s seen one while kayaking in the area.

Velez said park employees “showed up and pushed the carcass back into the water” after he called to report the discovery.

In Florida, the alligator hunting season began August 15 and ends the morning of November 1. Permits are required to hunt gators in the state, and an estimated 11 permits have currently been issued in Martin County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The FWC said it’s not investigating the disturbing find, but it does advise those who may have additional information to call the agency’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.

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