With applications open now for permits under FWC's Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the mating season well underway, this week was the perfect time to sit down with my friend, reptilian expert Greg Graziani of Florida Gator Gardens, to discuss some general traits of Florida's apex predator, dispel some of the myths about these iconic symbols of natural Florida, and learn more about their behavior patterns so we can better coexist with them out here between the beaches. Greg is also immensely knowledgeable about Florida's many snakes and helped develop FWC's plan for dealing with the feral python population in the Everglades so we spend a good bit of time addressing some of those myths as well, including perhaps the biggest of them all - that they resulted from captive pet releases into the glades.

Learn more about Greg's educational efforts by following them on Facebook at Florida Gator Gardens