HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A teen has been charged for the illegal handling of a young alligator, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
This comes after FWC received a report about a video going around on social media that showed a group involved "in the harassment and illegal handling of a young alligator."
The video was taken by Lexxus Thomas who witnessed the illegal activity. Thomas said she was at a truck meet-up in Plant City when a group of teenagers were drinking. She said she saw multiple teens force-feeding the baby gator alcohol and tossing it around.
"They were throwing it around. Force-feeding it Twisted Teas. Basically tormenting the little thing," Thomas said.
FWC officials said in a statement over the weekend that they were made aware of the video and were conducting an investigation. In the video, two individuals within a group can be seen handling a young alligator and placing its mouth on an aluminum canned drink in a parking lot.
Days later, a child in the group was charged with the illegal take of an alligator without a permit, FWC reports.
"The lack of respect and responsibility shown toward this animal was disappointing to see," Major Rob Rowe, SW Regional Commander, said in a statement. "Our officer exhibited exemplary investigative skills and quickly identified the subjects involved in this abusive and illegal activity. We are dedicated to preserving Florida's diverse wildlife and this serves as a strong reminder of the consequences of such behavior."
Thomas is happy FWC pursued charges and she hopes this spreads a message that you can't abuse animals.
"My main goal was to have the parents of the kids see the video," Thomas said.
FWC advises against handling an alligator, "even a small one," due to their dangerous bite and ultimately, it's illegal.
10 Tampa Bay asked FWC if the baby gator survived. We are waiting to hear back.