Florida Realizes Danger!

Florida is finally awakening to the danger right at their doorstep. Long known as the home of the reptile legions of the animal uprising - well, around here, anyway - Florida officials now realize that there is one alligator for every 18 people in the state. And they are getting nervous.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Reuters) - The once-endangered alligator has made such a phenomenal comeback in Florida that state wildlife officials are considering making it fair game once again.

Once hunted to dangerously low levels and displaced by urban development, the "gator" population in the state is now estimated at 1 million, or one alligator for every 18 Florida residents

Increasing numbers of gators and people make increasing encounters more likely. At least two people died in alligator attacks this year. Before that, there had only been 18 fatal alligator attacks in Florida since 1948.

The population boom is prompting state wildlife officials to reconsider hunting restrictions that continued to protect the species after the American alligator came off the federal endangered list in 1987.

In December, the state government will be asked to approve proposed changes to extend the annual hunting season, currently around two-and-a-half months, and increase hunting limits.

The proposed new rules would also allow Florida property owners to take matters into their own hands if a rogue gator comes calling, and kill the reptile.

Whoo hoo! No more alligators disguised as doormats! Or rather, a Florida homeowner who discovers a camouflaged alligator can blaze away! We caution our Florida readers that the rules are not approved yet, so don't go getting antsy just yet. That doesn't mean you can't stock up on JHP, though! Take advantage of those fall sales!