The government of Florida opened the registrations for its annual program of Caimanes huntingan activity as entrenched as controversy that mixes recreation, businesses and an ethical debate.
The state program, a mechanism for reducing this species that began in 1988, is carried out in swampy areas and fresh water bodies.
Those interested can request permits until June 2 to capture two caimanes between August 15 and December 31as announced by the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
This year also returns the ‘Aligator Super Hunt’ or the supercaza of Caimanes. There are 7,356 permits to hunt and another 100 for the supercaza. Permits cost $ 272 for residents and $ 1,022 for not residents.
Among the instructions, the environmental authorities warn that in the hunting areas of the alligators within the Everglades National Park, a vast region of subtropical wetlands located in southern Florida, There may also be crocodiles, which are reptiles of salt water and are protected.
Florida hosts more than 1.3 million caimanes, according to official estimates, and its frequent presence in urbanized areas generates numerous citizen reports every year. In that context, the authorities defend hunting as a way of controlling populations and avoiding incidents with humans.
“Caimanes active management allows you to reduce conflicts and at the same time maintain a healthy population”explained to local media Alan Woodward, Wildlife Biologist of the FWC.
In 2023, the year of the most recent public figures, about 6,300 copies were captured.
The program generates significant income for the State and has promoted a parallel industry of professional guides for hunters and tourists, exhibition centers, meat processors and leather items.
However, organizations defending animals rights as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) consider that it is “unacceptable” normalize the hunt for a native species under the management argument.
The program nevertheless remains firm and every year attracts both residents and international tourists willing to pay for living a wild experience in Florida’s swamps.