Should it have been killed?
After an alligator was found in Largo, Florida with a lifeless body in its mouth and… authorities killed it.
While many felt this was a necessary move, others think it was overkill and didn’t have to happen simply because of his alligator instincts. The sad turn of events has led to many debating the issue on social media, with a clear divide!
To be killed or not to be killed based on natural alligator instincts?
Many social media users shared their thoughts and opinions on the alligator’s forced death on Instagram and Facebook posts spreading the tragic news.
On The Blast Facebook In a post about the unfortunate story from a neighborhood in Largo, Florida, many debated whether or not the alligator deserved to die.
“I have a hard time understanding why the alligator was killed. That doesn’t mean the alligator killed the person…that doesn’t mean it was THAT alligator if he was killed by an alligator,” one person wrote.
“13-foot alligator is a danger to humans, especially one who has already tasted human blood,” wrote another.
One Facebook user explained: “They tend to kill animals that eat people, even if they didn’t kill the person. I’m not sure there’s any real evidence that they turn into a human-killing machine after tasting human flesh. It’s more about making us feel better.”
The same Facebook user later added: “Unfortunately, conservation has a lot to do with making people better off. Because our feelings and irrational fears are more important than actual life…”
Another person wanted to know: “How many times do people living in Florida need to be reminded that they are not in control of their waterways and waterways?” Their stupidity cost this alligator its life. Their hunting habits/reasons are no secret.”
An Instagram post from Media blackout USA There was also a lot of commentary about whether or not the alligator should have been killed.
“All the people in the comments must be from Florida because you guys keep saying ‘humanely killed’ about an alligator dragging a dead HUMAN! As if there is no rehab for an alligator that has now tasted human blood, you can’t reach it not to kill!! In this way, they can calm an animal and then put it to sleep permanently. AND THANK GOD!! Yes, kill it!! It’s 13 feet!!! Almost 14!! He has to go!😂,” one person wrote.
Another person took the other side of the debate, saying: “First of all, how do you humanely kill something?🤔.”
2. Alligators eat meat. People know this and still mess with them. If you stay away from the habitats of these animals then it wouldn’t be a problem. I would hate to see anyone’s child or pet eaten by these animals, but so many of them are killed every year, usually because people mess with them first. They should be better protected.”
The victim found in the alligator’s mouth has been identified
CBS News shared their news clip about the unfortunate incident on their Facebook page and a relative of the victim commented: “It’s my little sister mother, her name is Sabrina. We don’t have all the details yet, so please keep it to yourself. Please pray for our family.“
On Sunday, CNN reported that the victim was identified as Sabrina Peckham, 41. No further information was shared as of Sunday evening.
An area resident, JaMarcus Bullard, told CBS affiliate WTSP that he saw the victim in the alligator’s mouth and called 911.
“It lifted its body out of the water as if it had just been stuck to it, and it swam backwards, sort of under the bottom of the canal to the other side,” Bullard said. “I just couldn’t believe it was real.”
An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.