The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says an investigation that began in 2023 has uncovered accusations of illegal alligator killings across several Southwest Florida counties.Wildlife officers say two men are accused of taking and killing alligators in Manatee, Sarasota and Hardee counties, actions that experts warn could negatively impact Florida’s ecosystem.Florida Gulf Coast University zoology and biology professor Christina Anaya says the allegations are troubling.“It just kind of sickened me when I read it,” Anaya said.Anaya explained that alligators play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and removing them can disrupt the food web. She added that alligators help control animal populations and create habitats for other species. Anaya also noted that alligators can carry diseases, which could further put humans at risk when the animals are handled illegally.FWC identified the suspects as Reagan Weidner and Conor Wiegand. Investigators say the two were the focus of multiple reports throughout 2024 in Sarasota County connected to unlawful possession, harassment, and the illegal taking of alligators.According to FWC, search warrants executed in February 2025 uncovered forensic evidence, including social media posts, with connection to multiple possible violations.The two men are facing a total of 69 felony charges and 23 misdemeanor charges. The charges range from illegally taking alligators to animal fighting and the alleged sale of firearms to minors.FWC reminds the public that alligator hunting in Florida is strictly regulated. The agency provides guidelines on how to obtain a valid harvest permit, approved hunting methods, and legal hunting seasons on its website.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says an investigation that began in 2023 has uncovered accusations of illegal alligator killings across several Southwest Florida counties.
Wildlife officers say two men are accused of taking and killing alligators in Manatee, Sarasota and Hardee counties, actions that experts warn could negatively impact Florida’s ecosystem.
Florida Gulf Coast University zoology and biology professor Christina Anaya says the allegations are troubling.
“It just kind of sickened me when I read it,” Anaya said.
Anaya explained that alligators play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and removing them can disrupt the food web. She added that alligators help control animal populations and create habitats for other species. Anaya also noted that alligators can carry diseases, which could further put humans at risk when the animals are handled illegally.
FWC identified the suspects as Reagan Weidner and Conor Wiegand. Investigators say the two were the focus of multiple reports throughout 2024 in Sarasota County connected to unlawful possession, harassment, and the illegal taking of alligators.
According to FWC, search warrants executed in February 2025 uncovered forensic evidence, including social media posts, with connection to multiple possible violations.
The two men are facing a total of 69 felony charges and 23 misdemeanor charges. The charges range from illegally taking alligators to animal fighting and the alleged sale of firearms to minors.
FWC reminds the public that alligator hunting in Florida is strictly regulated. The agency provides guidelines on how to obtain a valid harvest permit, approved hunting methods, and legal hunting seasons on its website.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.